The Lady Preacher: 

OR, THE 

LIFE AND LABORS 

OF 

MRS. HANNAH REEVES, 

LATE THE WIFE OF THE REV. WM. REEVES, D.D., 

OF THE METHODIST CHURCH. 



BY THE 

Eev. GEORGE BROWN, D.D. 




PHILADELPHIA : 
DAUGHADAY & BECKER, PUBLISHERS. 

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO I 

METHODIST PUBLISHING HOUSE. 
1870. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by 

WILLIAM REEVES, 
in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



COKTEKTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

By a Woman Sin entered into the World— Honor done to 
Women in Ancient and Modern Times— Hannah's Birth— 
The Pearce Family— In good Circumstances— A Reverse 
takes place— John Pearce's Account of Hannah's Youth- 
How she came to he a Judge of a Horse— Its Benefits in after 
life— Value of her Judgment to her Father— Fond of Dancing 
— A Sacramental Dance in West Virginia— Condition of the 
Established Church — Dr. Laishley's Anecdote— Mr. O'Bryan 
Preaches in the Malt-house— A Society formed, including the 
Pearce Family— Hannah's Conversion— Her Happiness. 

17—26 



CHAPTER II. 

Hannah joined the Church— Commenced preaching in her 
eighteenth year— Held fast her integrity— Lived by rule- 
Prayed much — Why some walk in darkness— A preacher 
without experimental religion— Experience, as well as know- 
ledge, necessary for preachers— She resides in the family of 
Squire Simcoe— Gains much knowledge of the refinements 
of life— Dr. Baydon's account of a Russian family— Held fast 
her integrity in the Simcoe family— They had learning, she 
had Christian experience — They mutually benefited each 
other 26—34 



CHAPTER III. 

Her public labors commenced at a fashionable watering-place 
—Respectable classes of people attend— William Allen's 
agency in bringing her out into the itineranc3^ quite remark- 
able — John's account of the young preacher— Hannah travels 
mainly on foot — Has hard work— John's and Rachel's letters 
reconciled — Her rules of holy living — She believes in a special 
providence— An instance is given— Her certificate of appoint- 
ment to the work — A marvelous occurrence — Her fearlessness 
—The roughs disturb the meeting— The magistrate— The trial 
—The happy result in that place 34— 4G 



4 



CONTENTS, 



CHAPTER IV. 

Her triumph over the mockers— She and another enter into a 
solemn covenant with God— The writer's view of covenants — 
Hannah at Exmouth, breaking up new ground— The results 
of her labors— Her hard fare among the poor borne cheer- 
fully—Long journeys on foot, and much hard work — 8he 
retires to rest awhile, and recruit, at Squire Simcoe's— 
Returns to the work— Spends two years in Wales, where she 
endures many hardships— Her several fields of labor— The 
Bible Christians an earnest people 47—54 



CHAPTER V. 

True poetry— Hannah's physical infirmities— Her letter on that 
account— Had proposals of marriage— Declined them— Her 
first acquaintance with Mr. Reeves, whom she afterwards 
married— Reeves hears her preach— Is pleased with the 
sermon, and the lady preacher — He is introduced to her — She 
rebukes him for using notes in preaching — They spend a 
Sabbath together — A remarkable manifestation — Reeves 
gains permission to correspond with Miss Pearce 54—62 



CHAPTER VI. 

Prayer for a revival— Its success— A funeral sermon— A letter 
of Rev. A. Morris, Canada— Mr. Reeves comes to the United 
States— Enters into itinerant labors— Efforts to induce Miss 
Pearce to come to him— Her first letter to Mr. Reeves in 
America — Her mental conflict — Her ultimate deliverance and 
joy— Will now go to America— In a second letter Mr. Reeves 
notified of that fact— Comments on this letter 63 — 73 



CHAPTER VII. 

The delicacy of introducing her letters considered— Her third 
ie1 1 er — Continued conflicts—Fourth letter — Occurrences from 
the time she left Portsea Circuit till she sailed for America 
— Parental opposition — That opposition overcome — The 
whole family yielded— John paid her passage, and gave her 
twenty sovereigns pocket money— The final parting— Has 
good company— Crosses the ocean 73—84 



CONTENTS. 



5 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Landed at St. Andrews, Lower Canada— Her first letter to Mr. 
Reeves— She proceeded to Boston, then by stage to Albany— 
The tiresome passage— The rude doctor discomfited— He then 
turned on an ignorant Catholic for counting beads— Hannah 
came to the rescue, and nonplussed the doctor— She arrives 
at Albany in safety— Writes to Mr. Reeves to meet her in 
Cleveland— Is somewhat despondent — In traveling by canal 
she found a good friend— Then again other friends on the 
next boat— She went by a steamer from Buffalo to Cleveland 
— Mr. Reeves fails to meet her, not getting her letter in time 
— So by canal and stage she went on to Zanesville — He went 
to Cleveland to meet her— They passed each other on the 
canal— Incidents on the way to Zanesville 84—97 



CHAPTER IX. 

Her first sermon in Zanesville— All are pleased with it — Mr. 
Reeves returns to Zanesville— The meeting and its joy— The 
marriage— Rev. C. Springer's account of her preaching— Their 
trip to McConnellsville— They stop at General Herrick's — 
The family prayer-meeting— Her success in preaching at 
McConnellsville— She preaches at Edwards' with success — 
She preaches in Zanesville — She preaches in various places 
during her bridal tour— Hannah is sorely tempted of Satan — 
Preaches in the Court-house, at Coshocton— Good is done — 
Mr. Reeves in perplexity while Hannah is in Newark... 97— 112 



CHAPTER X. 

Mrs. Reeves in Newark— Schmucker's notice of preaching— Pro- 
fessor Brownson invites her to Mount Vernon — Springer's ac- 
count of her visit— She is favorably noticed in the Zanesville 
Times— The extent of her travels and labors— Slender sup- 
port—She preaches in a grove— Prospects in Newark— In Nor- 
wich — In Cambridge — The husband not desired when the 
wife is present — At Poulson's— Mrs. Reeves sick— Prejudice 
removed — Good done in sundry places — Distressing tempta- 
tions—Crowds attend— The house too small, yet good was 
done 113—125 



6 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XI 

Mrs. Reeves preaches at tlie laying of the foundation of a new 
meeting-house— " Ebenezer"— At McConnellsville— At Zanes- 
ville— Providential leadings — The three camp-meetings— Mr. 
Reeves spoke unadvisedly with his lips — Hannah labors in 
different places — In feeble health she toils on — The Conference 
in Zanesville — The preachers — Mrs. Reeves' sermon at Con- 
ference — The writer's recollections of it— They visit friends — 
They prepare for their journey to Youngstown— They go 
preaching all the way— Providential interpositions 126 — 141 



CHAPTER XII. 

Mr. and Mrs. Reeves "both preach at Norwich— Hannah preaches 
in Fairview — Both preach in Mount Pleasant — Hannah 
preaches in Steubenville— Kindly treated every where on the 
journey— They pass on to Wellsville— New Lisbon— Provi- 
dential occurrences by the way— Mrs. Reeves remains to 
preach in New Lisbon on the Sabbath— Her husband passes 
on to Youngstown — Their labors regularly commenced — 
They occupy many towns, and a large scope of country — A 
glorious camp-meeting— We lose the fruits— The first quarter- 
ly meeting— They operate apart for a time, but meet in Wells- 
ville— A good love-feast— Hannah preaches— Goes to New Lis- 
bon 141—151 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Hannah preaches a funeral sermon in Salem— Meets her hus- 
band in Canfield — A good meeting there— With Dr. Bostwick 
she goes to Warren— A large congregation in the Court-house 
— She is greatly blessed in preaching — Meets her husband in 
New Lisbon — They now travel together in a "jumper" — Visit 
Wellsville in company— The trip is hard and dangerous— The 
great flood of 1832— Hannah goes by boat to fill her appoint- 
ment in Beaver— She fears nothing— Meets her engagement — 
Returns to her husband— The devastation made by the flood 
wonderful— They visit awhile in New Lisbon— Mr. Reeves 
sick in Salem— Church matters and kind friends in that place 
— Hannah fills her husband's appointments— Rules of holy 
living— Hannah returns ► 152—165 



CONTENTS. 



1 



CHAPTER XIY. 

Quarterly meeting in Beaver— Rev. C. Avery there— Next, both 
are at Salem— Some trouble about a preaching place— They 
occupy a private house — Have a good meeting — Hannah in 
BloomfLeld — Receives aid — Visits Newark — Her husband 
accompanies her part of the way — Occurrences by the way — 
They stop at Morgan's tavern — Agree to hold a meeting- 
there in four weeks— Her visit to Newark is successful— She 
preaches in many other places — She and her husband 
meet at Morgan's— Hold a meeting in his barn— A society is 
the result — Williamsfield came next — A good meeting— They 
attend Quarterly meeting on Ohio Circuit — Some occurrences 
on the way, and at the meeting — Hannah visits Wheeling — 
The two-days' meeting at Webb's— The occurrences— Youngs- 
town meeting— Hannah overworked— Her husband in dis- 
tress 166—179 



CHAPTER XY. 

The camp-meeting at Boardman— The preaching— The work 
of the Lord— The accessions to the Church— The parting scene 
—The Conference in Pittsburg— Many kind remembrances to 
Hannah — They go back to Youngstown— Nobly go into the 
work for another year- -To them a child is born, but soon 
taken away — They go to housekeeping in Boardman — Have 
kind neighbors— They attend Rev. Israel Thrap's two days' 
meeting at Williamsfield— Hannah is feeble, but acquits her- 
self well— She does the same in Pittsburg and Allegheny — 
She preaches at the Braddocksfield camp-meeting— A Scottish 
poet is moved to write— Her sickness in Cambridge— Her 
restoration— Her husband to blame 179—192 

CHAPTER XYI. 

In 1833, the Conference appointed them to Warrensville Circuit 
—Their hardships— The people they went to— The Boardman 
friends they left— A Universalist converted— A drunkard re- 
formed — In their new appointment — Hannah's good standing 
with the people— Her husband's not so good— Country new — 
The people generally poor — Ministerial support very lean — A 
son born to them — Her labors on the circuit — A narrow escape 
— A good revival at Auburn — Many conversions — A Univer- 
salist converted— He proved faithful— They were next in 
Wheeling Station — In this place Mrs. Reeves was useful in 
. every possible way— She labored much in other places in 



8 



CONTENTS. 



some instances at a distance— Her management of children — 
Her regret for the old family horse— A regular progressive 
revival during the winter — Some remarkable cases, espe- 
cially one young man 192—206 

CHAPTER XVII. 

In 1835, they are appointed to Newark Circuit— A wide field— 
They go to work in earnest— They visit New Lancaster— The 
condition of the Church in that place— The Church in trouble 
— Mrs. Reeves' popularity— Efforts to secure her services — All 
failed— A vexatious violation of good faith— An extraordi- 
nary case — A young lady died praying for sinners — So the Sa- 
viour died — Hannah's labors at home — She labors much 
abroad— Will God, in answer to prayer, impress the mind of a 
distant person with a particular idea? — Hannah preached 
often — Attended two camp meetings — A church trial gives 
much trouble— Their child came near being drowned— The 
second year on Newark Circuit— They remove to Enyart's — 
Hannah's afflictions and joys— Her recovery, and her relapse 
and slow return to health— Her further labors 207—218 



CHAPTER XYIH. 

They are appointed to Brownsville Circuit — J. Robison, assist- 
ant — Work enough for all — Hannah visits Columbus — Mr. 
Reeves accidentally injured in the foot — Hannah does the 
work at home, and does much in other places — Together, 
they visit Pennsville and Jackson— Their little son— Hannah 
preaches at Athens — The students — Their success at these 
several meetings— They return to their own field of labor — 
Here, during the year, Hannah is abundant in preaching — 
Little Samuel and the fleshy woman— His death— Phineas 
Inskep — The meeting Hannah and he held during Conference 
—Its fruitfulness 219—231 



CHAPTER XIX. 

They are appointed to Youngstown Station. Here Hannah's 
labors were somewhat circumscribed— Yet she labored in 
the pulpit occasionally, in the social meetings, the Sabbath- 
school, and in places at a distance— The second year, the cir- 
cuit and station were in one charge— Then she had work 
plenty — Was very active — Her controversy with three 
preachers of the Disciples' Church, first in public, then in 
pri vate — All defeated — Another preacher defeated— The 
meeting at Sharon— Rev. E. S. Hoagland's letter— They visit 



CONTENTS. 



9 



several places as Evangelists— Meeting in Mount Vernon — 
Interesting occurrences — Great success — Meeting at Lower 
Sandusky — Glorious results — Various other meetings — Tliey 
go on preaching to the ocean — They are going to England. 

232—258 



CHAPTEE XX. 

They had a speedy trip to England— A joyful meeting with 
relatives — In a short time Hannah's mother died — They 
visited Mr. Reeves' parents— Both yet living— Mr. Reeves 
takes regular work among the Bible Christians— Hannah can 
not he inactive— Preaches in many places— They "both show 
their loyalty to the United States on one occasion— God gave 
them another son, June 6th, 1842, in Great Torrington— They 
are "both active in the work of the Lord all the time, and at 
temperance meetings— They got Mr. Reeves' father to sign the 
pledge — Hannah's last advice to her father-in-law — On their 
return — Six weeks on the ocean — They land in STew York, 
and hasten on to the Conference in Cambridge — Captain A. 
Devinny's kindness — His own "brother rescued from drown- 
ing—They are appointed to Zanesville Circuit — Hannah 
abundant in her labors— Both attend Brother Hoagland's 
meeting — Mr. Reeves' sickness — A severe spell — Hannah's 
intrepid venture as a nurse — Her husband recovers, but 
renders no more services on the circuit 259—271 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Mr. Reeves is transferred to the Pittsburg Conference— That 
Conference held its session in Fairmont, West Virginia — Still 
very feeble— Hannah is the driver of the buggy to that Con- 
ference — Soine incidents by the way — Hannah preached twice 
at Conference — They are appointed to Ohio Circuit — The 
troubles on that circuit — Here was a fine field for Hannah — 
My own statement of the facts as to the troubles— This lady 
preacher did much preaching, each of the two years they 
were on Ohio Circuit— She went wherever there was a call, or 
an open door, and preached — She helped her husband much 
in pastoral visitations — The next two years they were in 
Pittsburg, Fifth street station— Here Hannah only preached 
occasionalry — Her main work was in the Sunday-school — She 
did, however, go from home, and preached in many other 
places— An idle rumor, a mere gossip, caused an elder brother 
some trouble, and a visit to the parsonage — They had a 
revival, and were joyful— They had alnictions, and were sor- 
rowful—God called upon them to surrender to him their 
last son, Asa T.272— 2S4 



10 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

They were appointed to the Allegheny Station— The exercise 
of discipline brought some trouble— Mr. Reeves' health failed 
—Hannah then had plenty of work— Her health, too, was 
quite feeble— She attented a meeting in Washington County- 
Preached in several other places— At last her health broke 
down— Next year in Manchester Circuit— A good field of la- 
bor—Success attends their toils— Mr. Reeves is appointed 
Conference Missionary— Hannah now more abundantly active 
—Mr. Reeves on Waynesblirg Circuit— By request his wife 
preached at Conference — In New Brighton — A revival — 
Conference fails in its engagement —They leave with sorrow- 
In Fairmont— She visits Baltimore— Occurrences during Con- 
ference in that city 285—295 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Mr. Reeves appointed agent for Madison College—Home still 
at Fairmont — Hannah in the Sabbath-school, and in other 
labors of love— They hold a protracted meeting in Cumber- 
land — Return to Fairmont — In the summer they go north — 
Mr. Reeves President the next year— Hannah travels with 
him— Crowds attend to hear her — She preaches in many 
places— The second year of her husband's presidency she la- 
bors on as before— The third year he does not travel the Dis- 
trict— They assist at a protracted meeting in East Liverpool- 
Hold one in Cincinnati— Their labors, and the results— She 
suffers from cholera, cancer, and erysipelas 296 — 307 



CHAPTER, XXIV. 

Hannah revives and preaches again— Rev. D. I. K'Rine's letter 
concerning her sermon in Johnstown — A letter from Rev. G. 
W.Burns, concerning her preaching in East Liverpool— Rev. 
C. Springer's notice— The glorious close of life— The funeral 
services— Female preaching vindicated 308—321 

CHAPTER XXV. 

The good character and standing of Mrs. Reeves— Letter from 
Rev. \V. H. Marshall— One from Rev. E. A. Brindley— One from 
Dr. John Scott— Two from the author— One from Rev. John 
Langdon— Two from Rev. Richard Tabb— Mrs. Thome's let- 
ter—Mr. Woodbridge's— Mr. Fitch's— Rev. A. H. Bassett's— 
Rev. G. B. McElroy's— Rev. A. Clark's— An obituary from the 
Pittsburg Commercial — Condolence from the Preachers' 
Meeting— Rev. S. F. Crouther's commendation— Conclusion. 

322—343 



INTEODUOTIOK 



WEEE there no teachers of literature and religion, 
our race would be in worse than a savage 
condition. All knowledge of every valuable kind 
comes from teaching, and from the bottom to the top 
of society, in every department of learning, there are 
male and female teachers. In the family, the father 
and the mother are the joint instructors of the children ; 
but the mother, especially, lays the foundation, and is 
the rudimental instructor of the household, and reli- 
gious mothers give the first lessons on the subject of 
Christianity. And every woman * who becomes a 
mother should be qualified to give instructions to her 
children. 

In all the private and public schools of the land there 
are male and female teachers, not only qualified to 
teach the different branches of an ordinary or superior 
education, but to impart to the students a knowledge 
of sound morality and religion. In our Sabbath- 
schools, where it is the prime object to make a religious 
impression on the minds and hearts of the children, 
male and female teachers, qualified for the task, are 
found, by universal consent working together, filling 
the minds of the children with the precious truths of 
our holy religion, and leading their young hearts to 
the Saviour of sinners. 

And after all this, will it alarm or offend any one to 

(ii) 



12 



1 NTR OD UCTION. 



find a female in the pulpit, one well qualified for the 
work, preaching the everlasting gospel, with the Holy 
Ghost sent down from heaven? If God, according to 
the Scriptures, shall in these last days pour his Spirit 
upon all flesh, and the sons and daughters, the servants 
and handmaidens among our people shall prophesy or 
preach, as in the ancient times, who will have any 
right to complain? God is an infinite free agent, and 
may now, as in the days of old, choose whom he 
pleases to declare the glad tidings of salvation to 
perishing sinners. Gospel truth never lost its power 
to save by being delivered to the people by a female. 

In introducing Mrs. Hannah Reeves to the notice 
of the public as a preacher of the gospel, I am aware 
that I am treading on new ground, for in most of the 
churches female preaching is a novelty, not allowed by 
the ruling ecclesiastical authorities in our day. But to 
remove all objections out of the way, as far as possible, 
it may be well to remember that this lady preacher, 
whose life and labors are portrayed in this volume, did 
not ambitiously aspire to the high places of the Church, 
or seek any position that would give her ruling author- 
ity or dominion over men. She never sought ordina- 
tion, or the right to administer the sacraments, or to 
have a seat in the Quarterly or Annual Conferences, 
where she could in debate contend with men, and vote 
against their measures and interests. Here it was, as 
she thought, that St. Paul did not allow a woman to 
speak in public, and here she did not desire to have a 
voice or vote. Her only wish, claim, or desire was to 
be a teacher of the Christian religion, a preacher of the 
gospel ; leaving all official ecclesiastical matters to the 
male portion of the Church. And for this great work 
of preaching the gospel, the volume now presented to 
the public will show that she had many rare qualifica- 
tions ; and she never made any pretensions to talents 



INT ROD UCTION. 



13 



or qualifications beyond what, in the estimation of all 
acquainted with her, would allow the facts in her case 
would even more than justify. 

She sprang from a family in England of respectable 
standing and in medium circumstances, and had not 
the advantage of a highly polished education. But in 
process of time she did, by personal application, over- 
come the defects of early training, and was, in her riper 
years, not only a self-made, but a well-made woman. 
By the gifts and grants of her Creator, she had a fine, 
well-organized mind, and a most sympathetic heart. 
Her powers of perception were quick and keen, her 
memory was retentive, her understanding strong, and 
she had a sturdy, iron will. All these powers combined 
gave her great strength of character. When, after due 
deliberation, she deemed a matter to be right, and a 
duty incumbent on her, it was not easy to hold her 
back from its accomplishment. Her heart became 
enlisted, under the dominion of her will, and nothing 
but an impossibility could hinder her from performing 
what she believed God required of her. Yet in her, 
from childhood, there was found a great reverence for 
parental authority ; to this she yielded an uncomplain- 
ing submission under all circumstances, because she 
was taught to believe that God required it. 

She was brought to Christ in the eighteenth year of 
her age, through the instrumentality of the Eev. 
James Thorne, of the Bible Christian denomination 
in England, and with her conversion, felt herself called 
to labor for Christ. While deeply exercised in mind 
on this subject, a residence for a considerable time in 
the family of the Simcoes, gave her a fine opportunity 
to do good to that family, and to acquire just ideas of 
the etiquette and refinement of polished society, in the 
higher walks of life, which she felt to be a great advan- 
tage to her throughout her earthly pilgrimage. It was 
2 



OD UCTIOX. 



from the residence of the Simcoe family that she went 
forth into the vineyard of the Lord, to try her strength 
in a local way. In a short time, being encouraged, she 
entered the itinerant field among the Bible Christians, 
who were Methodists in all things but the name. And 
here, with a delicate constitution, she performed hard 
itinerant toils, traveling large circuits, mainly on foot, 
suffering many privations, and had but a lean compen- 
sation. These labors were continued, with but little 
interruption, for about ten years, when she became 
acquainted with Mr. William Reeves, who was then 
preparing to enter the Christian ministry, and who in 
a short time came to the United States. Their 
acquaintance ripened into a matrimonial engagement 
between the parties, and the arguments of logic and 
of love determined Miss Pearce to follow him across 
the ocean to the land of Columbia. It is very interest- 
ing to notice, in this case, the skill of her management 
in gaining the consent of her parents for her to under- 
take such a journey ; and how the providence of God 
opened her way and furnished the necessary funds, 
and gave her suitable companions to travel with to the 
United States. It is interesting, too, to follow her in 
all her travels after she landed, noting well the inci- 
dents as we go, until we see her married to the Rev. 
"William Reeves, in the city of Zanesville, Ohio, on the 
5th day of July, 1831. Xow she is no longer Miss 
Hannah Pearce, which was her maiden name, but Mrs. 
Hannah Reeves. She and her husband became one 
according to the laws of God and man, one in interest, 
one in labor ; and I have found it impossible to detail 
the facts of her eventful career apart from those of her 
husband. If this looks like writing the life and labors 
of the two instead of the one, it could not be avoided. 

No high claim can be made for Mrs. Reeves in the 
literary world as a writer. She did not take rank with 



IXTR OD UGTION. 



15 



Mrs. Hemans or Mrs. Sigourney as a poet ; she made 
no pretensions in that direction. In the lives of Mrs. 
Fletcher, Mrs. Cooper, Lady Maxwell, and others, it 
is possible that excellencies may be found which she 
did not possess. But in one thing, at least, she 
exceUed them all. She was a gifted, pious, zealous, 
popular, laborious, and successful preacher of the gos- 
pel of Jesus Christ. Who upon earth can estimate the 
amount of labor which she performed in England and 
in America, from 1819 to the close of her life, in 1868? 
Kor can it ever be known, until the great day of the 
Lord, how many souls were savingly converted to God 
through her instrumentality. She preached at camp 
meetings, quarterly and protracted meetings, in the 
city stations, on the circuits, at church dedications, at 
funerals, and on the outskirts among the poor. And 
wherever she preached the crowd attended her ministry. 

In all the times of my hearing Mrs. Reeves preach, 
I do not now recollect that I ever heard her violate 
the laws of grammar, or of rhetoric, or of logic, or of 
good taste, or of sound scriptural theology as under- 
stood by the Methodists. She stood erect in the pulpit, 
with a pleasant, open countenance, calm, self-possessed, 
and apparently without the fear of man. She made 
but few gestures, and they were graceful. Her voice 
was full, round, and clear. She had no trouble of any 
kind to find the right word to express her meaning, 
and never had to say the same thing over in other 
words, better understood, to get the idea into the 
minds of the people. Her articulation was remarkably 
distinct. Her preaching was plain, pointed, pathetic, 
and generally full of holy unction. She made no effort 
at adornment or display. All her figures and illustra- 
tions were natural, free, and easy. Her eye appeared 
to be single to the glory of God and the salvation of 
perishing sinners. To win souls to Christ and advance 



16 



INTRODUCTION. 



the interests of the Bedeemer's kingdom, were the 
objects kept in view in all her ministrations, and the 
Divine blessing did attend her labors. 

Satan may have tempted her to be vain when Grod 
gave her success in her pulpit labors. But if she were 
so tempted she resisted the devil, and, with unaffected 
humility, gave all the glory to God. Crowds, moved 
by curiosity, in all places, attended her ministry, to 
hear the female preacher. On these occasions, with 
no strength of her own, but with a firm trust in the 
Lord, and a heart full of prayer, she went to her work 
in the sanctuary, and with all her might, in preaching 
the gospel, aimed to glorify Christ by doing the people 
good. A time of success with her was always a time 
of humble thanksgiving to Him who hath " chosen the 
weak things of the world to confound the things which 
are mighty, that no flesh should glory in his presence." 

Prom England, Canada, and the United States are 
valuable letters from eminent ministers and laynien, 
all bearing witness to the great moral worth of this 
Christian lady, and to her indefatigable labors in the 
gospel ministry, as set forth in the volume now pre- 
sented to the public. We never had but one Hannah 
Beeves. Universal Methodism, in all its branches, 
from the beginning down to the present day, has not 
produced her equal as a lady preacher. She doubtless 
had her faults, because she had human nature, with all 
its infirmities. But whatever her faults were, they 
were as nothing compared to the overwhelming excel- 
lencies of her Christian and ministerial character. I 
commend the book to the notice and perusal of our 
people, and wish for it a general circulation among the 
churches. 

THE AUTHOK. 



The Lady Preacher. 



CHAPTER L 

By a Woman Sin entered into the World— Honor done to 
Women in Ancient and Modem Times— Hannah's Birth— 
The Pearce Family— In good Circumstances — A Reverse 
takes place— John Pearce's Account of Hannah's Youth- 
How she came to he a Judge of a Horse— Its Benefits in after 
life— Value of her J udgment to her Father— Fond of Dancing 
— A Sacramental Dance in West Virginia— Condition of the 
Established Church— Dr. Laishley's Anecdote— Mr. O'Bryan 
Preaches in the Malt-house— A Society formed, including the 
Pearce Family— Hannah's Conversion— Her Happiness. 

IT is never to be forgotten that it was Eve who was 
first in the transgression. She took of the fruit 
of the forbidden tree, and did eat, and gave also to her 
husband with her, and he did eat. Thus the mother 
of the race was first in the criminal act which brought 
death into the world, and all our wo. Yet it should 
always be remembered that God put upon the female 
portion of our race a most distinguished honor, for in 
the Divine economy, it was the seed of the woman that 
was to bruise the serpent's head. 

Both in the Old and Xew Testaments honorable 
mention is made of distinguished women, such as Sarah, 
Deborah, Huldah, the women that helped St. Paul in 
2* (17) 



18 



THE LADY PREACHER. 



the work of the ministry, and those who so affection- 
ately clustered about our Saviour, and ministered to 
him of their substance. It was the men of those terri- 
ble times, and not the women, that crucified the Lord 
of glory. Wicked men, by something like mob vio- 
vence, procured the Saviour's condemnation, and nailed 
him to the cross; but the daughters of Jerusalem 
followed him to the last with their tears, had him 
embalmed at his burial, and were the first to witness 
and proclaim his resurrection from the dead. See how 
careful the Scriptures are in giving honor to the women. 

In most of the Churches, sketches have been written 
and published to the world, of the lives of ladies dis- 
tinguished for talent, piety, and usefulness. This is 
well ; the Church needs all this, and the cause of Christ 
will be advanced by all such publications. The life of 
Mrs. Fletcher, by the Eev. Henry Moore ; the life of 
Mrs. Mary Cooper, by Dr. Adam Clark ; and the life 
of Lady Maxwell, have been of great worth among the 
Methodists, both in Europe and America ; and it is 
believed that the life of Mrs. Hannah Reeves, late the 
wife of the Rev. William Reeves, D.D., will prove to 
be a blessing to the Church and an honor to the Saviour 
of sinners. 

The writer of this sketch of the life of Mrs. Reeves, 
in the outset, feels it a duty to acknowledge the fact 
that he is entirely indebted to Dr. Reeves for the 
material wrought into the composition of this biogra- 
phy, up to the time of her arrival in America. From 
and after that date (1831) he had a good degree of per- 
sonal knowledge of this excellent Christian lady, of 
whom it may in truth be said, as was said of righteous 
Abel, that she " being dead, yet speaketh." Such a 
life as that of Mrs. Reeves — so pure, persevering, and 
useful — ought to speak for her to the churches, while 
her body rests in the cold, dark silence of the grave, 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



19 



and her soul rests with Christ in heaven. Certainly it 
is the duty of all living Christians to be followers of 
those who through faith and patience have finished 
their course, and have gone up, through much tribula- 
tion, to the kingdom of God, to inherit the promises. 

Mrs. Hannah Beeves was born in Sheepwash, De- 
vonshire, England, January 30th, 1800. She was the 
third child of James and Mary Pearce. Her eldest 
surviving brother, John Pearce, has furnished the fol- 
lowing account of her early history : 

"Agreeably to the experience of all, events that 
occur in early life are so indelibly impressed upon the 
mind, that not even the erasing finger of time has been 
wholly able to obliterate them. Prom early childhood 
she was somewhat delicate in health and slender in 
form, but lively and playful in disposition, affectionate 
and agreeable to all, especially to the six junior mem- 
bers of the family, of whom she had the constant care. 
She was not at all fond of gaudy display in dress or 
otherwise, but remarkably characterized for neatness 
and tidiness in appearance. She was born in circum- 
stances somewhat above the common class of the com- 
munity. Her father was engaged in the malting 
business ; he also conducted the business of two farms, 
one of which he owned — the other he rented. Her 
mother's time was mostly occupied in attending to the 
requirements of a village store, which she kept. She 
was very ladylike in personal appearance, with fine 
business talents, a superior cook, and of uncommon 
economy in the management of domestic affairs. Her 
father also was a man of good business tact and capa- 
city, and in early life was prosperous in his worldly 
affairs. We give one specimen, in which he [her 
father] bought a farm for <£700 sterling, and shortly 
after sold the same for £1,400. Thus we see a pros- 
perous and happy family, with bright prospects before 



20 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



them. But alas ! for all human prospects of an earth- 
ly nature. Her father became particularly fond of 
following the hounds, and, with whip and spurs, was 
often foremost in the chase. But one who so much 
enjoyed the sports of the field by day, could not be 
prevented from partaking of the recreations of the 
party at the tavern at night, and thus the demon of 
intemperance made his appearance. And O ! the hor- 
rid hook concealed within the tempting bait ! Then 
see the consequences — neglect of duty, bad bargains, 
and mismanagement of business, property greatly 
reduced, and a large and expensive family to provide 
for. How true the saying of Solomon touching the 
wine cup: 'At last it biteth like a serpent, and 
stingeth like an adder. 5 

" And now the hitherto dormant talents of Hannah 
had ample opportunity to expand themselves. From 
this time the services of the nurse and of the servant- 
girl were dispensed with, the malting business and the 
store were given up, and the eldest daughter went out 
to service in a respectable family. And now Hannah, 
being the eldest daughter at home, had on her hands 
a weighty charge. She had to attend to the house and 
dairy-work, the latter being particularly laborious, as 
the rented farm was a mile from the one on which 
they lived, where she had to go twice a day to milk, 
and carry home the pail of milk upon her head. 

"Often through life, when reviewing the past, she 
would advert to this period in her history with pecu- 
liar pleasure. It seems, instead of complaining at their 
comparative poverty in their reduced circumstances, 
or reflecting on the unhappy cause, or murmuring at 
the heavy task imposed upon her, she would make a 
pleasure of it. Yes, though slender in form, frail in 
constitution, and often in feeble health, with a loftiness 
of spirit, she was not ashamed of the seeming drudgery, 



MRS. HA XX AH REEVES. 



21 



but with a light heart, full of good cheer, she would 
sing as she went to her work. And as other girls had 
similar duties to discharge, if memory can he relied on 
here, a challenge occasionally passed between them for 
a race, and was accepted, and once, at least, Hannah 
went home with an empty pail." 

From early childhood, Miss Pearce was considered 
by the family physician, as well as by her parents, as 
being predisposed to pulmonary consumption, and 
often the doctor, in the spring of the year, expressed 
to the family a doubt whether Hannah would be able 
to climb another May-hill. Hence, through his advice, 
her father would frequently, when she was quite young, 
take her by the hand and lead her out on the farm, 
among the sheep and cattle. And even when engaged 
either in the purchase or sale of a horse, she would be 
by his side, holding on to his hand or the lappet of his 
coat. And being naturally quick in perception and 
accurate in observation, from hearing the good quali- 
ties and defects pointed out, she became, in after life, 
not only a good rider, but also an excellent judge of a 
horse ; and repeatedly did she prevent her husband 
from being imposed upon in the purchase of a family 
horse. Here was a practical and life-long benefit 
growing out of her knowledge, even in that department. 
Blessed is the man who has a wife with discernment 
enough not only to manage well her own affairs, but 
to save her husband from being defrauded in any and 
every department of lawful business. All ministers of 
the gospel should have such wives, and should take 
counsel of them in all their dealings. 

An instance of the quick perception and business tact 
of Miss Hannah Pearce may be given here. TVhen but 
a youth, perceiving her father to be in a strait respect- 
ing his temporal affairs, so that he proposed to change 
his residence, but was perplexed in regard to the place 



22 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



to which he should move, she instantly suggested the 
idea to him to build, and on his own farm, — the kind 
of a house to erect as a residence, and the very spot of 
ground for the purpose. The father, being of a very 
high spirit, and jealous of his parental authority, was 
not prepared to take counsel of his youthful daughter, 
and replied in rather a short and crusty spirit, saying, 
"What do you know about such business matters?" 
But the suggestion, notwithstanding, secured the atten- 
tion of his mind, and upon reflection he adopted the 
plan, and soon the men were at work, the house was 
built, and it answered an excellent purpose ; the family 
lived in it for years, and were well pleased with their 
residence. Children often have ideas worthy of atten- 
tion. 

As time passed awa}^ the property continued to de- 
crease, which made it necessary to observe the strictest 
economy. As the younger sisters were by this time 
grown to early womanhood, and able to take charge 
of the work at home, Hannah went to learn the glov- 
ing business, and in due time she came home to work 
at her trade. She was brought up to the strictest ob- 
servance of the rituals of the national Church ; but the 
practices of that Church in those days were not very 
favorable to vital godliness. The pleasures and amuse- 
ments of the world were not regarded as being incon- 
sistent with a profession of Christianity; and card- 
playing and dancing were considered indispensable 
accomplishments for those who would enter into 
respectable society. The young lady of whom we write, 
being of a sprightly disposition, cheerful and active, 
became particularly fond of the dance. She would 
rather dance than eat.* 

* Dancing- Christianity was not confined to England. It qame 
to this country- In 1811, in Western Virginia, what some called 
a sacramental ball came off. In the forenoon the parson 
preached and administered the sacrament. It seemed to this 



MRS. II A NNAII REEVES. 



23 



But to anticipate a little. After Miss Pearce was 
converted to God, she saw the folly of dancing ; indeed, 
she had an especial aversion to it ; the practice met her 
positive detestation. Never, from the date of her con- 
version, had she the slightest inclination to the dance, 
and for some time she would even go out of her road 
to avoid hearing the violin. It was her custom through- 
out her entire Christian career, faithfully to warn the 
youth against this fascinating and foolish amusement. 
How strange it seemed to her that even some profess- 
ing Christians would not only indulge in the dance, 
but even defend it, and appear to relish it still ! She 
could not believe that the piety of such people was very 
deep. Hers was emphatically a Bible Christianity, 
and her experience accorded with the statement of St. 
Paul: "Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a 
new creature : old things are passed away ; behold, all 
things are become new." 

At the time of which we now write, no denomination 
of the dissenters had yet preached in the neighborhood 
of the Pearce family, and the clergy of the State Church 
were generally unconverted men, and often not the 
best exanfples of morality, so that the people had but 
a poor chance to learn the way of life. Evangelical 
Christianity was scarcely known, and if heard of, it 
was only to be despised. Such was the spiritual state 
of the community.* 

writer to "be a time of great solemnity. At night, the baK 
came on ; most of the communicants were present, and took 
part in the dance, while the parson played the violin. Such was 
the kind of Christianity that the successors of the old English 
Church parsons undertook to inflict on the American people. 

* From the Rev. Dr. P. T. Laishley, who came from England 
more than fifty years ago, we have the following anecdote, 
illustrative of the low state of religion in the established 
Church of England when he was a hoy. The parson of the par- 
ish where he resided was profane, a lover of wine, a card- 
player, a fox-hunter, a horse-racer, and generally profligate in 
habits and character. Even the worst of men in the commu- 
nity thought him not a fit man for the place he occupied, and 
but few attended church. But a report got into circulation 



24 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



♦ Mr. William O' Bryan the founder of the denomina- 
tion called Bible Christians, had the honor of opening 
out evangelical Christianity among that people. While 
on a home missionary tour, he went into that neigh- 
borhood. He preached once in the open air, in the 
village of Sheepwash. He then made application to 
Mr. James Pearce, father of Hannah, for the use of his 
largest mah>house, in which to hold the public services. 
44 At this time," says Mr. John Pearce, " so little was 
known of dissenting ministers and experimental Chris- 
tianity, that it was commonly reported that Mr. 
O 'Bryan bewitched the people, or practiced some sort 
of sleight-of-hand upon those who were aifected by the 
Word, and that he had sold himself to the devil ; while 
drunken Christians, swearing Christians, pleasure-tak- 
ing and Sabbath-breaking Christians, and others rest- 
ing on mere morality, began to find that they were not 
as safe as they had previously imagined themselves to 
be, and finally became convinced that they were lost 
sinners, and as such, were directed to Christ, and 
through faith in him they entered into the door of the 
sheep-fold." Consequently a society was formed, and 
among the members were Mr. and Mrs. Pearce, also 
their son and daughter, James and Hannah, whose 
names afterwards appeared on the local preacher's 
plan. 

Here it was that Hannah Pearce was brought to bow 

that in a neighboring parish there was a very pious parson. 
Sunday came, and away went Laishlev and his neighbors, to 
hear the pious parson. When they arrived, the house was not 
opened, and the assembled multitude tilled the open space 
around the church. Presently the clerk came ; he mounted a 
horse-block, and shouted at the top of his voice : " O yes ! O yes ! 
O yes ! All the good people of this parish will please to take 
notice; there will be no service in this church till arternoon, 
for master has gone to gather hazel-nuts." This was the pious 
parson! A hazel-nut-hunting, Sabbath -breaking parson! and 
he n little better than his neighbor. Bad was the best of those 
unconverted parsons. No wonder that the sheep, with no bet- 
ter shepherds, went astray; nor is it any wonder that the 
infinite God of love sent a better class of preachers among 
them. 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. 25 

to God, and to surrender her soul to Christ, to be saved 
by grace. Her first conviction was produced by the 
preaching of that remarkable man, the Bev. James 
Thorne, editor of the denominational magazine, of 
whom it is said that Dr. A. Clark, on hearing him 
preach in London, pronounced him to be a man of the 
quickest thought that he had ever heard. Mr. Thome's 
text on that occasion was taken from Job xiv. 10 : 
"Man dieth and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up 
the ghost, and where is he?" She felt, as she never 
had felt before, the arrows of conviction piercing her 
heart. He made such home thrusts and affectionate 
appeals, in his own happy and pointed manner, and 
illustrated the subject by such a reference to the rich 
man and Lazarus, as produced such an effect that her 
convictions could not be concealed. They had no 
" mourning benches" then, nor any "anxious seats;" 
but earnest prayer was offered up to God in her behalf, 
and suitable advice was given. Then the preacher 
told her to go home, and continue to pray and seek the 
Lord — that it was "good enough for her." This 
seemed to her at the time not only miserable, but cruel 
comfort. But afterwards she understood the design 
and appreciated the motive. As her convictions for 
sin were pungent, heart-breaking, and distressing, so 
her conversion was clear, strong, and blissful. She 
drank deep of the wormwood and the gall of evangeli- 
cal repentance, and the cup of salvation was also full, 
sweet, and ecstatic. She was delivered from her spirit- 
ual thralldom and doubts at a prayer-meeting held 
under the domestic roof. From the time of her con- 
viction until the Lord spoke peace to her troubled soul, 
she suffered mental anguish beyond description. She 
fasted, prayed, and sought the Lord with all her heart, 
and being of a resolute spirit and strong-determining 
will, the evening of her espousal to Christ, when she 
3 



26 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



entered the room and kneeled in prayer before G-od, 
she resolved never more to rise until she was blessed 
or died in the struggle for it. 



CHAPTER II. 

Hannali joined tlie Church— Commenced preaching in her 
eighteenth year— Held fast her integrity— Lived by rule — 
Prayed much — TVhy some walk in darkness— A preacher 
"without experimental reftgion — Experience, as veil as know- 
ledge, necessary for preachers — She resides in the family of 
Squire Siuicoe — Gains much knowledge of the refinements 
of life— Dr. Baydon's account of a Russian family— Held fast 
her integrity in the Simcoe family — They had learning, she 
had Christian experience — They mutually henelited each 
other. 

THE Lord saw the sincerity of Hannah Pearce and 
her deep solicitude to be saved from sin and to 
consecrate herself to him and his service for ever. 
After much distress of spirit and Jacob-like wrestling 
in prayer, she was abundantly blessed, and shouted the 
praises of her Redeemer. The next morning, being very 
full of love and joy, the new and living- way appearing 
so plain and delightful to her, she thought every body 
could be brought to see it in the same light, and would 
believe her testimony, and look and live. So to work 
she went, the love of Christ constraining her ; all round 
among the neighbors she went, and told them what 
great things the Lord had done for her soul, and ex- 
horted them to seek and serve the Saviour, and to do 
it at once. Query — was she not born into the kingdom 
of grace a preacher? Certainly this was preaching. 
But the neighbors did not obey the gospel call. This 
seemed strange to her, for she had not yet learned the 
doctrine of the deep depravity of the human heart. 
The people appeared fully to believe in the genuineness 



MBS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



21 



of the work of G-ocl in her conversion, and appreciated 
the happy effects on her. Still they refused or neglect- 
ed to seek the Lord themselves. In her simplicity she 
thought it was only necessary for her to tell them what 
a treasure there was in true piety, and every one would 
instantly seek after it. But in this she was soon unde- 
ceived. 

Miss Pearce united with the Church, December 18th, 
1818, in the eighteenth year of her age. She was never 
a probationer, but was a charter member, having 
joined at the original organization of the society. 
And touching her connection with the ministry, it is 
likewise true that she was not placed on probation. 
She was called into the itinerancy before she was put 
on trial on the local plan. Only the initials of her 
name appeared to assist in holding meetings ; so that 
she was never on probation, either as a member or 
preacher. 

But some might ask, did she continue to enjoy such 
constant happiness? Was not her spiritual sky soon 
overcast with clouds of doubt and distrust? To the 
honor of God and the encouragement of other disciples 
and workers in the vineyard of the Lord, it may be 
said truly that hers was, in the main, a clear and 
happy day. Soon after her conversion, however, if 
memory is reliable here, through the suggestion of 
some injudicious friend that such unmingled happiness 
would not last long, that she was just then only in her 
first love, and that would soon abate, and then she 
would walk in gloom, like many others — listening to 
this siren song of the lukewarm professor, her spiritual 
sky became, for a short time, somewhat overcast. But 
she cried to God for help, and soon all was well again, 
and for years she could sing joyfully : 

"Not a doubt cloth arise to darken my skies, 
Or to hide, for a moment, the Lord from my eyes." 



28 



THE LADY PREACHER 



But this happy frame of mind "was not maintained 
withou t constant and close communion with God. And 
in order to this, she followed the example of the pious 
Mrs. Fletcher, and resolved to live by rule. Indeed, 
she fully endorsed the maxim that u those who live 
without rule dp not, in the true sense of the word, live 
at all." She had rules for each day — rules for reading 
the Bible, prayer, &c, &c, and not three times a day 
only, but, like the Psalmist, " seven times a day.*' 
She would hold communion with God, and bring every 
thing before him in secret. Iso wonder, therefore, that 
he rewarded her openly. For mam' years, most emphati- 
cally hers was a life of prayer. Like Enoch of old, she 
"walked with God;" and, like Abraham, she was 
strong in faith, giving glory to the Most High. 

It was her conviction, and is it not obviously a true 
one, that in many cases, the chief reason why so many 
professors of religion walk in darkness, and have little 
or no light, is because their conversion was not thorough, 
and with but a partial change ; they for years can only 
4 'see men as trees walking;" while others, soundly con- 
verted, with the whole gravitation of their natures 
shifted, by the grace of God, from hell to heaven, ' 4 walk 
in the light, as he is in the light, and have fellowship 
one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his 
Son, cleanseth them from all sin." And how many 
preachers are there who have but an imperfect experi- 
ence in this all-important matter.* 

Who could expect a growth in grace among our 
people under the ministry of such a man as this ? ~No 
marvel if the members of his church complained much 

* A preacher of a well-cultivated 3 powerful mind, mighty in 
argument, and well drilled from his youth up in Bible know- 
ledge, said to me: "I wish our people would turn their class 
meetings into Bible-classes. Then I would attend them, and 
could enjoy them; hut I do not enjoy class-meetings where so 
much is said about Christian experience, a subject which I do 
not understand." 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



29 



of their leanness. "Like priest, like people," is a rule 
that generally holds good, and Jesus has said : u If the 
blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. ' ' If our 
people are ever thoroughly trained for the heavenly 
country above, our preachers must not only be men of 
culture and Bible knowledge, but deeply read in the 
school of religious experience. They must be full of 
faith and the Holy Ghost, and know for themselves, 
experimentally, all about the life of God in the soul of 
man. And in order to a growth in grace quite up to 
entire satisfaction, the importance of living by rule, and 
a scrupulous observance of all the duties of religion 
enjoined by Christ, can not be over-estimated. 

One general rule of universal application by which the 
Christian's life should be governed is this : "Whether, 
therefore, ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all 
to the glory of God." This rule covers the whole 
ground, and implies a perpetual aim of the mind to do 
God's will in all things on earth, as the angels do it in 
heaven. He who lives according to this rule, is living 
a life of Christian sanctification. 

Coeval with her conversion to God came a strong 
conviction pf her call to the arduous and blessed work 
of preaching the gospel. And with a zeal and energy 
worthy of an evangelist, she commenced calling sinners 
to repentance, and the good effects of her labors were 
apparent. The success of her toil gave her encourage- 
ment. So she held on her way, following the openings 
of Providence in the good work of the Lord to which 
she felt herself called. 

But as the gloving business, which she then followed, 
was not very profitable, she engaged as parlor maid 
with Squire Simcoe, whose father was once Governor 
of Canada. Here she became a particular favorite 
domestic with both the ladies and gentlemen in tho 
family. And from the peculiar neatness of her personal 
3* 



30 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



appearance, her toilet being perfect, and good taste and 
order manifested in all the duties of her department, it 
was difficult to rind any other to nil her place, insomuch 
that it was said, "She spoiled the place for her suc- 
cessor." 

In that day, in the rural districts of England, particu- 
larly, the means of a good mental drill were not to be 
found. Female colleges and academies, in those parts, 
were unknown. The highest institutions for young 
ladies in country places were "boarding-schools," and 
but few in the common walks of life could attend even 
them. Miss Pearce, in this respect, was not an excep- 
tion to the general rule, so that her education was 
limited. But the deficiency in this important particular 
was, to a great extent, remedied by her own industry, 
good taste, quick perception, retentive memory, and a 
large stock of good, sound, common sense. And in the 
providence of G-od, her position and popularity in the 
Simcoe family furnished her with a fine opportunity for 
farther improvement, and she greatly profited by it. 
Here she acquired much valuable information on many 
subjects, and learned the rules of true politeness and 
good breeding. She mingled much and freely with 
some of the best educated ladies in the land, and learned 
of them, both by oral instruction and close observation, 
the nicer proprieties of conduct in all the contingencies 
of life in the best cultivated society. This was of great 
service to her in all after life. From the culinary 
knowledge she received from her mother, and the 
esthetical culture gained from the ladies in the Simcoe 
family, she became equally qualified to appear in the 
parlor or labor in the kitchen. She was perfectly at 
home in both those relations. They are not necessarily 
in • upatible. The JSTestorian priest, Doctor Arthur 
Baydon, in a public lecture some time since, in ]STew 
Brighton, Pa. , spoke of a Russian family of the nobility, 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



31 



on whom he called, and while sitting in the reception 
room conversing with the lady of the house, two of her 
daughters came in from the kitchen with their sleeves 
rolled up and flour about their hands ; they had been 
engaged about culinary duties. They apologized for 
entering the room in that condition, but were not 
ashamed of the wQrk itself. Their kitchen duties done, 
and they dressed for the parlor and company, the 
doctor declared w 'that, according to his judgment of 
true refinement, those }~oung ladies excelled any he had 
ever met with in all his travels in Europe and America ! : 5 

This judgment of Dr. Bay don may look like a dis- 
paragement of American ladies, and like a want of 
good taste in him to bring it forward in a lecture where 
there were many ladies of our country in his audience ; 
yet many, no doubt, deserve all the censure it contains, 
for they show off to great advantage in the parlor, but 
do nothing in the kitchen, where it is certainly no dis- 
grace to the most refined lady to superintend the cook- 
ing for her own household. In this respect. Miss 
Hannah Pearce was a good example. She was at home 
in the parlor, and enjoyed company in refined and 
cultivated society, while she excelled as a cook, and 
was not ashamed of the duties of the kitchen or of 
domestic life in general. She was dignified, graceful, 
polite, and easy in her manners, and well fitted to meet 
the varied society of an itinerant preacher's life. 

Before returning from this digression, it may be 
observed that Hannah's excelling as a cook was 
generally noticed in after life by those who visited her. 
And her ability to get up a good meal, with but little 
means, was a noted peculiarity of hers. Perhaps this 
characteristic was derived mainly from her mother. 
She had a large family, and was an excellent cook, and 
she had but little to do with. She would say to her 
daughters: "Xow, maidens, you can cook to-day," 



'62 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



and when they would inquire about what was to be 
prepared, she would say: " There is but little to do 
with to-day, so you can try your hands at the busi- 
ness;' 7 adding that "it is an easy matter to cook a 
good dinner when there is plenty of provisions, but 
when they are scarce, that is the time to show your 
ingenuity in housekeeping." With such a mother no 
marvel that the daughter became a good cook and an 
excellent economist. 

But with such powerful influences in constant opera- 
tion around this young Christian hand-maiden in the 
Simcoe family, it is natural and proper to inquire what 
effect they had upon her spirituality. Did she decline, 
or was she faithful ? It is pleasing to be assured both 
of her fidelity to God and faithfulness to the family. 
True, it was a trial of her faith, but, thanks be to God, 
her faith did not fail, but was strengthened by constant 
exercise. She sensibly felt the force of those worldly 
influences, and the necessity of watchfulness and 
prayer, and she cried earnestly to God for help ; and 
she realized the precious truth of the promise to St. 
Paul — "My grace is sufficient for thee." She saw also 
that a door of usefulness was open before her in that 
interesting family, but required no small amount of 
moral courage to enter it. But neither her courage nor 
her faith failed her. God was with her, so she did not 
attempt to put her light under a bushel or a bed. She 
was not ashamed of Christ in that refined and educated 
family. They had greatly the advantage of her, not in 
social position alone, but also in scholarly attainments ; 
while, on the other hand, she had the advantage of 
them, having been taught in the school of Christ, and 
could teach them the science of salvation. So that in 
some sense the instruction was mutual — both parties 
were learners. What an advantage has the true 
Christian in every relation of life ! Their teaching of 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



83 



her related to the present life. Her teaching them 
related to life eternal. 

Her brother, Mr. John Pearce, furnishes the follow- 
ing information concerning her success. u Through 
her instrumentality a family altar was erected in the 
habitation of the Simcoes, and the Squire himself 
became the subject of serious impressions, and was 
finally brought to enjoy the glorious liberty of the 
children of God. In a short time he became an evan- 
gelical minister in the Established Church. 

" Before he inherited the blessing, he had many close 
personal conversations with her, touching her Christian 
experience, and the evidence of her pardon and accept- 
ance with God. These experimental verities were 
religious marvels to him. Yet he believed them, and 
when, on one occasion, he questioned her respecting her 
knowledge of pardon, and she had given him her con- 
scious assurance of the fact of her acceptance with God, 
he exclaimed : ' Would to G-od I could say that !' " 

When this gentleman's stately mansion became a 
family sanctuary and a class-room, Christianity had a 
splendid triumph. In this whole matter we are called 
upon to behold the hand of God, the fruit and worth of 
Christian fidelity in a delicate daughter of the Church, 
who placed her all on God's altar. It scarcely needs 
to be added that ever afterwards she was a welcome 
visitor at that magnificent mansion. Even after she 
had been in America for a number of years, when she, 
with her husband, returned to England to visit their 
friends, they made it convenient to call on the Rev. 
Mr. Simcoe and family, and were cordially received 
and hospitably entertained. In this now religious and 
happy family she might have remained. Many induce- 
ments were held out to engage her to do so ; but being 
persuaded that God had called her into his vineyard, she 
cheerfully left this comfortable situation and all its 



THE LADY l l RE A O HER: 



temporal advantages, to labor for Christ, and endeavor 
to save perishing sinners. Through her influence she 
obtained situations in the same house for her three 
sisters. 



CHAPTEE III. 

ITer public labors commenced at a fashionable watering-place 
— Respectable classes of people attend — William Allen's 
agency in bringing her out into the itinerancy quite remark- 
able—John's account of the young preacher— Hannah travels 
mainly on foot— Has hard work— John's and Rachel's letters 
reconciled— Her rules of holy living— She believes in a special 
providence — An instance is given— Her certificate of appoint- 
ment to the work— A marvelous occurrence— Her fearlessness 
—The roughs disturb the meeting— The magistrate — The trial 
— The happy result in that place. . - 

TT appears, from the account given by her brother 
JL John, (but by what authority is not stated, neither 
at this distant day can it be called up by the circum- 
stances,) that 4 4 she commenced her public labors at 
Budleigh Salterton, the fashionable watering-place of 
Devonshire, twelve miles south-east of the city oi 
Exeter. Her first meeting was in the open air. The 
services were attended by the most fashionable and 
respectable class of society, among whom was her much 
beloved friend, Lady Simcoe, at whose house she was 
always a welcome visitor." And while she was ready 
in all her after life to go into the highways and hedges, 
and preach the gospel to the poorer classes, for com- 
panionship she preferred the refined and educated, pro- 
vided they were positively pious. And commencing 
her labors in such a fashionable place may account, in 
some measure, for her freedom from embarrassment and 
bashfulness in facing numerous and refined auditories 
in our large towns and cities. 

She had not yet, it seems, been regularly employed in 



3fB8. HANNAH BEEVES. 



35 



the itinerant ministry. But the thought had entered 
her mind, and the responsibilities pressed heavily upon 
her spirit. She did not venture to disclose the nature 
of the burden that lay so heavily upon her heart to the 
nearest relative, not even to her precious mother, who 
was her most intimate and confidential counsellor. 
Soon, however, a friend came to her relief in the person 
of a Mr. William Allen, generally known by the cogno- 
men of " Uncle Will Allen" — a similar character to the 
renowned "Village Blacksmith," (and some account of 
his life has been also published,) who was a man mighty 
in prayer and strong in faith. Indeed, his holy famili- 
arity in communion with G-od, and marvelous answers 
to prayer seem, to those unacquainted with him, like 
religious fables; yet they are well-attested facts. Por 
years, though a poor man, his whole business seemed 
to be, like the blessed Saviour, £ 'to go about doing good, " 
talking to the people about their spiritual state. Miss 
Pearce, at this time, was at home at her father's house, 
greatly exercised in mind, when this Christian patriarch 
called to see the family. Finding that this maiden 
was laboring under some mental conflict, he called her 
aside for a private interview upon the subject, and he 
soon perceived the nature of her trouble. He then 
proposed prayer, his universal remedy for troubles of 
the heart. And in his own peculiar, familiar inter- 
course with G-od, he inquired of the Lord what he 
designed respecting her, and appeared to receive an 
immediate answer. He asked if it was His will that she 
should travel, and received an affirmative answer. He 
then inquired what field of labor He designed her for. 
The answer was, Shebbear circuit — a large, intelligent, 
popular circuit, embracing the head-quarters of the 
young denomination, where the printing establishment 
was located. "What!" exclaimed this modern Jacob, 
"that great circuit, Lord?" He continued: "And what 



36 THE LADY PRE A CHER: 

art thou going to do with little brother Samuel Smale?" 
svho was the junior preacher. The answer was im- 
mediate and distinct : c 4 Take him home. ' ' " What ! ' > 
rejoined this man of God, "take little brother Smale 
home, Lord? Well, thy will be done." And sure 
enough, in a short time the young preacher died, and 
Hannah Pearce was appointed on that circuit in his 
place. He then prayed u that God would strengthen 
her, both in body and in mind, and qualifiy her for the 
arduous duties which would devolve upon her in so 
extensive and laborious a field. " 

Speaking of the young preacher mentioned above, 
Mr. John Pearce, who is yet alive, and resides in 
Canada, says : "I recollect him well. He told me that 
his father was a farmer, and kept several men. Farm 
labor was too much for his strength, which he never 
wholly regained. He was delicate when he went on 
the circuit. Still his early demise was altogether 
unexpected by the people." 

Thus, from all the information at command, it 
appears that at the early age of nineteen, in feeble 
health, Miss Pearce left a comfortable home for the 
arduous work of itinerant life among the people called 
u Bible Christians," and traveled those circuits and 
missions almost entirely on foot, exposed to all kinds 
of weather, and preaching generally three times on 
Sabbath, walking several miles between appointments, 
besides attending prayer and class-meetings, often lead- 
ing them, thus frequently conducting five or six 
services a day ; and then traveling and preaching every 
day in the week, Saturday alone excepted. And let it 
be kept in memory, that the accommodations among 
the poorer classes of people, where she often labored, 
weue not very inviting; yet she was always contented 
and happy in the work of the Lord, preaching the 
gospel to the poor as well as to the rich. And although 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



87 



she met with much opposition, yet her success was 
great in winning souls to Christ. 

The following is an extract from a private letter 
written hy her sister Kachel, a widow lady, now resid- 
ing in Canada. She says: 44 1 haye been praying and 
thinking whether I could recollect any thing that would 
he of any service to you. I can recollect the time of 
her conversion, and how zealous she was in the cause 
of G-od. She was very proud and dressy before the 
change took place ; but her dress was very different 
afterward. Praying in public and preaching was her 
delight, and it was a matter of duty with her to enter 
into her closet in secret, between the hours of eleven 
and one o'clock, and there pray to her Father who 
seeth in secret, for those who desired an interest in her 
prayers, as well as for herself, and for a revival of the 
work of God. And it was all of God's grace that she 
was endued with His Spirit to do as she did, with 
nothing but a common education, and that not as it is 
now in our day." 

In this letter the words 4 4 proud and dressy" are 
applied to Miss Pearce 4 4 before her change took place." 
In her brother John's letter, quoted in the commence- 
ment of this biography, he says of Hannah, that 4 4 she 
was not at all fond of display in dress or otherwise; 
but remarkably characterized for neatness and tidiness 
in appearance."- Now, if these two statements are 
intended to apply to Miss Pearce at one and the same 
time, either before or after her conversion, there is a 
manifest contradiction between them. But if what 
Rachel says of her being 44 proud and dressy " is applied 
to her before conversion, and what John says of her 
not being 44 fond of display in dress or otherwise, and 
of her neatness and tidiness in appearance.'' be applied 
to her after her conversion, there is no contradiction at 
all. Like other sinners, before conversion she may 
4 



38 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



have been u proud and dressy," but after conversion 
u not at all fond of displa}' in dress or otherwise,'' yet 
remarkable "for neatness and tidiness in appearance," 
as all know her to. have been in after life. In this 
particular thing she was a worthy example to all Chris- 
tiarrladies, for all should be "neat and tidy in appear- 
ance." Wesley has said, u Cleanliness is next to godli- 
ness." It takes a good deal of soap and water to keep 
our Christianity above reproach. 

The foregoing rule or habit of private devotion, 
mentioned by her sister, evidently referred to her course 
before she left the parental roof for the regular labors 
of the itinerant ministry. And afterwards she was 
very methodical, carefully husbanding her time ; and it 
is remarkable how much of her precious time was spent 
in devotional exercises. Here, evidently, was the secret 
of her success and source of her strength. On a slip of 
paper in her portfolio the following is found : 

RULES WRITTEN BY HANNAH PEARCE. 

1. Rise at six o'clock in the morning ; spend an hour 
in prayer and reading the Scriptures. 

2. G-et ready for breakfast, and directly after break- 
fast have family prayers. 

3. Retire to my room and spend some time with the 
Lord, and attend to other duties that are incumbent on 
me. 

4. Spend the remainder of the morning in visiting 
the sick and going about from house to house, inquir- 
ing into the state of the people's souls. 

5. Return to the house where I am going to dine, a 
little before dinner, and spend a few minutes in prayer 
before going to the table. 

6. Address myself to my journey, and if possible, get 
to the preaching house by five o'clock. 

7. Spend an hour in my closet before I begin meeting. 



MRS. HA XX AH REEVES. 



39 



8. Commence the meeting at the time appointed, and 
be always short and earnest, except on occasion of 
particular outpourings of the Spirit of God. 

9. Go to bed at ten o'clock, be in what company I 
may, never mind that ; remember ten o'clock is the 
bed time. O, Lord, give me grace to fulfill this deter- 
mination ! Amen ! ! 

On the opposite side of an adjoining leaf are the 
following lines, as if she had commenced to write a 
poem : 

O Lord, give grace that I may all things do ; 

Help me to walk "by faith, and keep the prize in view : 

May I no more a wretched sinner prove, 

But walk in the low vale of Imnible love. 

It is greatly to be regretted that a life so full of inter- 
esting incidents has not been regularly chronicled. 
Mrs. Maria Prout, another widowed sister of Miss 
Pearce, now in Canada, says she is ' 4 confident that 
Hannah did keep a journal when she traveled in Eng- 
land." But her husband knows nothing of it, nor 
could he find it among her papers. He often, especially 
during the latter end of her pilgrimage, would endeavor 
to draw her out in detailed accounts of her early labors, 
and incidents of interest which occurred in her itinerant 
career in England ; but when she found that the object 
was to record them, she declined, stating that she 
"did not wish her name paraded upon the pages of 
history. " God knew her labors, and her reward would 
be sure ; she desired no more. At other times she 
would talk freely upon the subject, and appear to take 
pleasure in the rehearsal of matters of interest, and of 
the timely interpositions of Providence. Enough, 
however, is known to indicate a life of remarkable 
activity and devotion, as well as of great success in 
winning souls to Christ. Her faith in the doctrine of 



40 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



the special providence of G-od was unwavering. In her 
judgment, the providence of God extended to all the 
occurrences of life, great and small. Indeed, her whole 
history is fraught with facts which, to many, might 
seem entirely accidental; but to her, they were the 
special providences of Grod, who never neglects the best 
interests of those who trust in Him. 

Take the following amusing instance of the kind : 
Once, while on a circuit, when wearied with her 
journey and labors, she turned in to tarry for a night 
with a friend. During the evening she was informed 
of a ball being expected in the vicinity, and fearing it 
might prevent her repose, and thereby unfit her for the 
duties of the next day, she carried the matter to the 
Lord in earnest prayer, and entreated him in some way 
to interfere and break up the ball, so that she might be 
able to sleep, and gain strength for the performance of 
the duties of the coming day. And, sure enough, the 
noise did not long continue. Unaccountably to all 
near by, the music and dancing abruptly ceased. Kext 
morning, at the breakfast table, it was the topic of con- 
versation. She inquired what was the matter, and 
was informed that somehow or other a leading string 
of the violin was suddenly snapped asunder, and could 
not be repaired ! So the dancing was all broken up, 
and she obtained her desired repose. Was not this an 
interposition of Providence in answer to prayer ? Cer- 
tainly it was. If God saw that only evil, and nothing 
good, would result from the ball, and that much good 
would attend the preaching of His word the next day, 
by Miss Pearce, certainly it was worthy of G-od to 
hinder the evil, that the good might be done. If God 
governs this world at all, his government must extend 
to small things as well as great. If the Almighty 
Father thought it not beneath the dignity and grandeur 
of his character to make worms, he can not think it 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



41 



beneath the grandeur and glory of his character to take 
care of worms, and provide for their wants. Away, 
then, with soul-chilling skepticism. 

Among Hannah's papers is found the following 
certificate of authority to travel a certain circuit, signed 
by the founder of the denomination, and it is evidence 
of the devotion and simplicity of that people : 

" Hannah Pearce, the bearer hereof, is appointed to 
travel in the Exeter District, under the direction of 
Harry Major. May she and the people unite in mighty 
prayer to God for a revival of his work, and pray for 
"William O 'Bryan. Remember to rise early in the 
morning, and read and pray." 

In this certificate may be seen the working of a pious 
mind. 

The following anecdote, as it stands connected with 
the history of Miss Pearce, should be recorded. It 
must be true, for she saw it with her own eyes, and 
Dr. Eeeves often heard her relate it; yet it is mar- 
velous ! 

At a meeting where both Mr. O'Bryan and Hannah 
were present, the power of Grod was manifested in a 
remarkable manner. And one pious girl fell into a 
trance, and being apparently too warm, though her 
bodily senses seemed closed to all the scenes of earth, 
she went to the fire, and with her bare hand riddled 
the coals out of the grate, the bars being quite hot at 
the time ! Mr. O 'Bryan being present, witnessed the 
scene ; and when she came back to a proper conscious- 
ness of things around her, he spoke to her, and asked 
if she had not washed her hands before coming to 
meeting, observing that they were not clean ; to which 
she replied, that probably she had soiled them on the 
floor. His design was to ascertain if they were burnt ; 
out no mark of the kind was found upon them. This 
whole scene was witnessed by Miss Hannah Pearce. This 
4* 



42 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



girl was remarkable for her piety and holy, exemplary 
life ; though poor she afterwards married a man of con- 
siderable means. He took her to wife chiefly because 
of her deep devotion to God, and she continued in after 
life to adorn the Christian profession. Was it the 
power of God manifested in a remarkable manner, that 
threw this pious girl into a trance ? Was it that same 
power that, for some wise purpose not understood by 
us, drew her, while unconscious, to riddle out the hot 
grate with her naked hands, and kept the fire from 
burning her? And was it the Divine goodness that 
finally gave her an excellent husband, with plenty of 
means to take care of her ? Full faith in the providence 
of God will answer all these questions in the affirma- 
tive. God, to convince sinners of his power to save, 
may have then and there shown them, by this example, 
that fire could not burn without his permission. 

An instance illustrative of the moral courage and 
invincibility of spirit so characteristic of Miss Pearce, 
may here be given. In the discharge of duty, though 
in the face of danger, she literally knew no fear. In 
reproving sin, exposing error, and proclaiming the 
truth of God, how many instances might be cited in 
evidence of her fearlessness in the face of opposition 
and peril. Let one case suffice for the present. While 
traveling on a circuit where there was much opposition 
frojn that class of persecutors so prominent in the 
history of early Methodism in different parts of Eng- 
land, with the sympathies of the parish priests, and 
government officers to countenance and sustain them, a 
gang of desperadoes resolved to break up the meeting 
at one of the appointments. The superintendent, who 
was of a meek and quiet spirit, hearing of the intention 
of these ruffians to pay him a visit on his next round, 
feared to go, and knew not what to do. Hannah, 
* though but a girl, being his assistant, and hearing of 



MB 8. HANNAH REEVES. 



the state of things, without the least hesitancy or per- 
turbation, with smiling innocence and courage, said to 
him: "Friend, let me fight that battle for you. I am 
not afraid." He gladly accepted the proposition, and 
they exchanged appointments for a few days. At the 
appointed time, on she went to meet the engagement. 

The appointment was in a private dwelling. The 
congregation assembled, and she was preparing to com- 
mence service, when lo! a gang of these roughs entered 
the house, headed by a bully who was dressed in fan- 
tastic apparel — a beef's hide on him, with streamers 
dangling all around him, and a mask on his face, with 
large goggles over his eyes, leaning upon a staff, and 
exciting the fears of the congregation, the men not 
excepted. Presently he muttered, in strange, unnatu- 
ral tones, "It 's time to begin the meeting, isn't it?" 
To all appearance, fear fell upon all present but the 
youthful heroine. She, with calm self-possession, and 
with a cheerful countenance, arose and gazed signifi- 
cantly at the stranger before hei\ She then inquired, 
"What object is that in the congregation?" Then 
turning her head aside, as if to view the strange object 
from another point, with rather a quizzical air she 
said, " Why, it looks like a man!" And then, feeling 
confident of victory, she stepped quickly over the 
benches and closed the door, and held it, exclaiming, 
"If it is the devil, I will know before he leaves 
the house!" Such calm intrepidity in a youthful 
female inspired the brethren with courage, confounded 
these sons of Belial, and soon the aspect of affairs 
changed very much for the better. 

She then seriously inquired if any one in the house 
knew that man ; and finding that he was known by 
several persons, she asked, "Can you swear to him?" 
On receiving an affirmative answer, she dismissed the 
congregation, after giving out her appointment to 



THE LADY PREACHER. 



preach there in two weeks. She then sent for a 
constable to guard her to her lodgings. He came, blus- 
tering, and endeavoring to intimidate her, but was 
mistaken in the person of the preacher. He tried to 
evade his duty, but received admonition instead of pro- 
ducing fear. He finally, with some reluctance, con- 
sented to discharge his duty, but not without some 
profane utterances. Again he was cautioned, and 
fearing that his own office was in danger, with an ill 

grace he yielded, but inquired, "Who the has 

put you up to this ?" He soon found that he had no 
novice to deal with, and perceiving that she was posted 
in the law, and that, in all probability, a prosecution 
would take place of the persons who had interrupted 
the meeting, he commenced offering her advice as to 
what magistrate she should apply to for redress, 
evidently wishing to direct her to one who was in 
sympathy with those ruffians. But he was soon taught 
that he was not sent for to act the part of counsellor in 
law, but to protect her person. If he ever should be 
needed as a counsellor, he would be apprised of that 
fact in due time and form. 

In due time, another magistrate, one of the better 
sort, was applied to, and young Hannah Pearce prose- 
cuted the case. This officer of the law appeared to be 
a true peace-maker, yet sturdy in the performance of 
official duties. Among other good things, he manifested 
a determination to defend the "Bible Christians" in 
their religious rights. But he seemed surprised that a 
youthful female should appear to prosecute the case 
•and inquired of her how it was, and if she was there to 
conduct the meeting? Receiving an affirmative reply, 
he commenced to admonish her, and asked, "Do you 
not know, Miss, that you were out of your proper 
place?" To which she replied, "If I did, sir, most 
assuredly I should desist." "But." said he, "do you 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



45 



not know that St. Paul forbids females to preach?" 
Hannah replied, "I do not so understand him, sir, or 
certainly I should not' attempt it." Being confident 
that he was right in his views, and sincerely desirous 
of doing his duty, he invited her to accompany him to 
his dwelling (a splendid residence) and took her into 
the parlor, Drought out the Bible, and commenced 
searching for scriptural proof against female preaching, 
but knew not where to look for it. To relieve him 
of his embarrassment, she said: " Shall I find the 
passages you refer to, sir?" He readily gave her the 
book. She then turned to those texts in the epistles of 
St. Paul which seem to prohibit it, and expounded 
them according to the exegisis of Dr. A. Clarke. So 
she preached to him in his own house, and he listened 
with astonishment, and exclaimed: "Who shall say 
that a woman must not preach!" He then told her 
to come at the appointed time for the trial, and he 
would attend to the case, and cordially invited her to 
call at his house, giving her assurance of a hearty 
welcome. 

The time came, and the parties met. The magis* 
trate questioned the accused. " Why did he wear the 
beef's hide?" "Because he was cold," was his reply. 
"And why those goggles?" "Because of sore eyes," 
he answered. The magistrate then administered a 
terribly withering rebuke, and reminded him not only 
of the violation of the law, but also of the mischief he 
might have done in a mixed assembly. He then 
ordered the clerk to make out his mittimus to commit 
him to prison. The mother of the man was present, 
and wept bitterly, and bewailed her condition and that 
of her son, and deprecated his imprisonment. This 
moved the sympathy of Miss Pearce, and she plead 
with the magistrate not to commit him to jail, for his 
poor mother's sake, alleging that she had not the 



40 



THE LADY PREACHER. 



slightest wish, to injure him, but her only object was to 
prevent his interruption of the worship of God in 
future. The magistrate said it was not her that would 
imprison him, but the law, and to jail he must go. 
I Again she pleaded, if possible, to compromise the 
matter. Finally he said she could do that, but he 
could not. Then she requested him to dictate the 
terms, which he did. The man should pay a fine of 
£5 — half of which should be given away in bread to the 
poor, and the other half to be expended in publishing 
his bad conduct in printed hand-bills, to be posted in 
public places ! So ended this tragical scene — save, how- 
ever, the happy fruits ; for that prosecution effectually 
broke up that banded rowdyism and molestation of 
those pious people in their public worship. Nov was 
that all, or the most remarkable. !N"ot long after this, 
that very desperado attended the meeting and was 
brought to repentance, and became a zealous, active 
member of the Church. 



MRS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



47 



CHAPTEE IV. 

Her triumph over the mockers— She and another enter into a 
solemn covenant with God— The writer's view of covenants- 
Hannah at Exmouth, breaking up new ground— The results 
of her labors — Her hard fare among the poor borne cheer- 
fully — Long journeys on foot, and much hard work — She 
retires to rest awhile, and recruit, at Squire Simcoe's — 
Returns to the work— Spends two years in Wales, where she 
endures many hardships— Her several fields of labor— The 
Bible Christians an earnest people. 

ANOTHER instance may be given of her bold and 
fearless manner in meeting the wicked and scorn- 
ful, who threatened and derided the disciples of Christ, 
and of her appropriate selection of texts to meet special 
emergencies and peculiar cases. On another circuit, a 
gang of scoffing persecutors, at one appointment, 
seemed determined on mischief and to put down vital 
Christianity in the neighborhood. On one occasion, a 
company of these scorners collected, and indicated their 
determination. Calmly and unawed, she commenced 
the services, and the Master was present in spirit and 
power. She selected the following text, Job xxi. 3 : 
"Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have 
spoken, mock on." Her method of treatment, if 
memory serves correctly here, was the following. She 
commenced with a glowing description of man, of his 
original dignity, etc. , the image of God enstamped upon 
him ; and then, with a piercing glance of her expressive 
eye, she appealed to them in these words : u Is that any 
thing to mock at?" She next depicted the apostacy of 
Ac! am, and consequently, as he w r as the head, the 
father, and the representative of the race, we all 
belonged to an apostate family; and when man's fallen 
and undone condition, by nature and practice, was 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



fully declared, she again appealed to them— to their 
consciences, and pathetically inquired: "Is that any 
thing to mock at?" Then she opened the whole 
Redemption scheme through the incarnation, suffer- 
ings, death, resurrection, ascension, and intercession 
of Christ, and most solemnly appealed to them again : 
"Is that any thing worthy of derision f" Then she dis- 
coursed upon the salvation offered to mankind in the 
glorious gospel — repentance, faith, pardon, peace, sanc- 
tification, and eternal life, and then urged the appeal : 
"Is there any thing here deserving the sinner's scorn?" 
She next spoke of death, the resurrection, the day of 
judgment, heaven and hell, and that for ever. She 
then most impressively urged the appeal: "Are these 
solemn, awful, and glorious realities subjects to mock at?" 
It need hardly be said that such unexpected thrusts 
from the sword of the Spirit not only surprised, but 
absolutely subdued them. And then her final thrust 
completely discomfited them. As if conscious of victory, 
she suddenly paused, and like Elijah the Tishbite upon 
Mount Carmel, she brandished her ironical blade, and 
with a holy defiance said, "JSfoio, mock on!!" The effect 
upon these mockers was withering and decisive. Of 
course they opposed her no more. 

It has been noticed before, that Miss Pearce, im- 
mediately after she gave her heart to Christ, set out to 
live by rule. And it is apparent, also, that she entered 
into solemn covenant with God. This seems to have 
been common with persons of eminent piety. This 
she did, not only at the time of her conversion, but 
afterwards, in view of higher attainments in the divine 
life, and greater usefulness to the souls of her fellow 
creatures. Without discussing the question as to the 
propriety and importance of Christians and Christian 
ministers voluntarily assuming such solemn obligations, 
one thing is evident ; it evinces a high and holy purpose 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



49 



to live to God, and faithfully to aim at a complete 
victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. It is 
simply a solemn vow. It appears, from a paper before 
me, that a good sister was engaged with Hannah in 
her vow. The following is the paper, dated January 
12th, 1825 : 

"This is to certify that we, Hannah Pearce and 
Leah Jacob White, have covenanted to strive together 
for the best white hearts," (holy hearts are no doubt 
meant,) "and to endeavor to get seats near the throne ; 
the great God being our witness. Also this to rise up 
in judgment against us, if we are not faithful to the 
grace given us by the good Lord, who hath promised 
to be our helper in every time of need. May the God 
of heaven give us grace to fulfil this covenant, is the 
prayer of Hannah Pearce, Sheepwash, Devon." 

The corner of the paper has been cut off, so it can 
not be ascertained whether the other signature was 
attached or not. 

It does seem to me, that a true Christian always lives 
in covenant with his God. That covenant is entered 
into at the time of the soul's conversion. It is ratified 
at baptism; it is confirmed at the Lord's table, and 
appealed to as holding good every time the heart is 
lifted up to God in prayer. It is an everlasting cove- 
nant, never to be forgotten, always felt by the pious 
heart in its full, binding force. If this be so, why enter 
into another covenant, as though the first covenant 
had become void ? A backslider is said to renew his 
covenant when he repents and does his first works over 
again. That is, he comes back to Christ again, and 
takes on him all the obligations of the covenant which 
he had violated. This is not a new covenant; it is 
simply a return to the old one, which secured to him 
all the blessings God had promised, and bound on him 
5 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



ail the duties required by his Heavenly Father. Why, 
then, another covenant? 

But to our narrative again. Some times, when there 
were more days in the week than there were appoint- 
ments, Hannah would be required to go out and open 
up some new places for preaching, an arduous and 
difficult work. Then, why send the young female assis- 
tant to do that hard, and, at times, perilous work? 
Why not the superintendent do that himself? Doubt- 
less the motives were pure, and the reasons good for 
what was done in such cases. Specimens might be 
given. Take the following as an illustration of difficul- 
ty, toil, and need of patience : While she was traveling 
on the Exeter circuit, one day the superintendent said 
they had a spare day or two one week, and he directed 
her to go and open up a new field somewhere. Accord- 
ingly, for once, she took passage on the outside of a 
stage coach, and went to Exmouth, a seaport town. 
She had no invitation to go there, and no friend to call 
on. She went out, in some sense, like Abraham, not 
knowing whither she went. But she went, earnestly 
praying for Divine direction. On arriving in the city, 
her eye was upon the lookout for an opening. Soon 
she saw a court with a cluster of houses, and told the 
driver to stop and let her down. She instantly selected 
a house, and went and inquired of the mistress if she 
could preach there that evening ? The woman, with 
astonishment, asked if she was a preacher ? Learning 
that she was, the woman seemed to regard her as a 
perfect God-send, and exclaimed: "You are the very 
person we want, for my husband is sick, and we want 
some person to talk with him and pray for him." So 
here was work for her at once. But she must also 
preach, if possible, for that was mainly the object of 
her mission. Having obtained permission to occupy a 
room in the house, she gave a poor woman a shilling 



MRS. H ANN A II BEEVES. 



51 



to go round town and publish the appointment. She 
did so, but the congregation was small ; probably the 
notice was not very extensively given. However, they 
had a good meeting, and she announced another 
appointment; then the house was crowded. She 
preached with freedom and power, and such was the 
profound impression produced upon the people that 
they were unwilling to leave the place. And she had 
to do all the singing as well as the praying and preach- 
ing; and what more could she do? She related some 
part of her experience, and prayed again, and could 
scarcely prevail on the people to leave the house. 

At the close of the meeting, a workingman ap- 
proached, and begged as a favor that she would take 
breakfast at his house the next morning. • She, of 
course, agreed to do so. Then his wife asked the privi- 
lege of inviting her mother to be at breakfast with her, 
and of permitting some of the neighbors to be present 
at family prayer. " Yes, of course," was the answer, 
u as many as you please." A goodly number attended, 
and the power of the Lord came so upon them that 
they appeared spell-bound; and what could this hand- 
maiden of the Lord do alone? She sang, and prayed, 
and exhorted, and the more she labored, the more un- 
willing they were to leave the place. Again she related 
some portion of her religious experience, and then she 
nnalry had to beg them to go home. She had actually 
prayed thirteen times that forenoon, besides repeated 
singing and exhortation. Then, after dinner, she 
walked several miles to her evening appointment, and 
preached. The next appointment was filled by the 
superintendent. From that time onward, they had a 
regular preaching-place there, and soon a good society 
was organized in that communit} r . 

As the mission of the Bible Christians seemed, at 
least in the early part of their history, to be particularly 



52 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



among the poorer classes of the community, not un- 
frequently the fare of the itinerant preachers, as a 
matter of course, would be scanty, and not very invit- 
ing. Often it so happened, that the people among 
whom they labored could not afford to purchase a 
morsel of meat from one Saturday to another ! And 
many a time, under such circumstances, did this youth- 
ful, hungry, and weary girl, linger in the fields, on the 
way to her appointments, picking blackberries to satisfy 
the craving of nature for food. While she did so, she 
could but call to mind her dear mother and a plentiful 
board at home, and then, to overcome temptation and 
discouragement, she would retire to some secluded 
spot in the hedge, and pour out her soul in prayer to 
God for supj)ort. The victory gained, she would rise 
renewed in strength, and run on her way rejoicing and 
singing praises to the Lord. And then to think of the 
distances she often traveled, generally from three or 
four to twelve or fifteen miles a day, on foot, and on 
the Sabbath, often from ten to fifteen miles, more or 
less, each day, besides preaching and meeting the 
classes ! On one mission, once every round, she had 
to walk over thirty miles, and preach and lead a class 
afterwards, the same day! In stormy weather, rain, 
and high waters, when some of the male preachers 
would fail to reach their appointments, Miss Pearce, 
with a zeal that nothing could abate, by going round 
impassable places, and jumping over hedges and ditches, 
would get to her appointments and preach. She seemed 
like one bound by an oath to accomplish an object or 
perish in the attempt. 

Thus was this young woman in labors abundant, 
and though slender in form, and frail in constitution, 
yet in weariness and watchings often ; yea, in fastings 
also, if not likewise in cold and nakedness. In the 
midst of all this, she gloried in the cross of Christ, and 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. 



53 



felt willing to suffer tribulation for his name's sake. The 
zeal of the Lord's house had, at this early age, well- 
nigh eaten her up. Her outward man began to give 
way, though the inward man was renewed day by day. 
Much as she loved the cause of Christ, and desired to 
build it up, she had to retire from the itinerant field 
for a year or two to recruit her physical strength. This 
probably took place between the years 1822 and 1823. 
She spent the greater part of this time at the house of 
her old friend, Squire Simcoe — a choice place, a kind 
and interesting family, every thing agreeable. Here 
her former popularity was increased, and every induce- 
ment in reason was presented to her, to remain per- 
manently in the family. But when her bodily strength 
was sufficiently renewed, nothing could prevent her 
from returning to the itinerant field again. This she 
did in 1824, and continued seven years longer, making 
nine years of active service, and eleven years in all 
from the time she commenced labor in the itinerancy 
till she left her native land for the United States. 
During this time she preached in popular cities as well 
as in rural districts ; spent two years in Wales, where 
she had hard work indeed,' the country being very 
mountainous, so that asses and packsaddles were used 
in the transportation of produce, instead of horses and 
wagons. Yet she would trudge on over these tumps, 
and through these dingles, happy in the Saviour's work, 
undaunted and undismayed. From these glimpses of 
her inner life and outer labors, it is entirely certain 
that, if we had a full record of her toils, a large volume 
might be written. But the few scraps which we possess 
are well-known verities, and attest the character of her 
remarkable history, so far as they go, faithfully. 
Indeed, her history is a teaching history; from it much 
instruction may be gained. 
From the text book of Miss Pearce, the following 
' 5* 



54 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



appears to be a correct list of the circuits and missions 
which she traveled while in England. Shebbear Cir- 
cuit in 1820, part of the year, the unexpired term of the 
assistant preacher, deceased; Saint Ervan Circuit in 
1821 ; Devonport Circuit in 182-1, from Michaelmas to 
Christinas ; Exeter Circuit, 1821, from Christmas to 
Conference. In 1825, it is difficult to ascertain, at 
times, with exactness, the times spent on some fields 
of labor, as occasionally, by arrangement of conference, 
the preachers, both male and female, would be required 
to exchange during the year, and once in a while two 
circuits would be united. Buckfastleigh Circuit, Lady- 
day, 1825, and also in 1827 ; Crewkerne Circuit, 1826 
Chagford Circuit, 1827 ; Monmouth Circuit also 1827 ■ 
Kilkhampton Circuit, 1828; Hastings Mission, 1829' 
Plymouth Circuit, 1830; and Brentor Circuit, 1831. 
Such are the notes, and they are not easily understood. 



CHAPTER V. 

True poetry— Hannah's physical infirmities— Her letter on thai 
account — Had proposals of marriage— Declined them— Hei 
first acquaintance with Mr. Reeves, whom she afterwards 
married— Reeves hears her preach— Is pleased with the 
sermon, and the lady preacher— He is introduced to her— She 
rebukes him for using notes in preaching — They spend a 
Sabbath together — A remarkable manifestation — Reeves 
gains permission to correspond with Miss Feax'ce. 

EVERY thing connected with the work of this pious 
people (the Bihle Christians) indicated a zeal 
and fidelity worthy of their profession. Even on their 
very plans of appointments, the head and foot margins 
of the page are utilized, one with a passage of Scripture, 
and the other with a poem. Take the following as a 
specimen : 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



55 



CHAGFOED CIRCUIT, 1826-7. 

SABBATH BAY PLAX FOR BTJCKFASTLEIGH AXD 
CHAGFORD. 

( e "When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou 
shalt die ; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked 
from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; 
but his blood will I require at thine hand. ' ' Ezekiel 
xxxiii. 8. 

Then the poem. 

"Ye shepherds, who feed the lambs of the flock, 
As shepherds, indeed, take care of the stock; 
'Tis Jesus employs yon, the nock is his own, 
Tho' Satan annoys yon, with courage go on. 

Remember the wolves are roving around, 
And danger involves the sheep on that ground; 
Lo! Satan is raging intent on his prey, 
And sinners engaging to lead them astray! 

Diseases and death are pointing their darts 
To draw off their breath and poison their hearts; 
The worm of contention, the thief of despair, 
Both wait, with attention, the sheep to ensnare. 

His sheep your dear Lord commands you to feed, 
His heart-cheering words receiving indeed; 
In pastures of grace let them feed day and night, 
And drink at the place of glorious delight. 

The lambs that are young must be tried in love, 
Until they get strong by faith from above ; 
In tender compassion, bear long with the weak, 
And feed with salvation the feeble and sick. 

Let those who are lost be sought out with care, 
If troubled and lost, yet calm them by prayer; 
Watch ev'ry disorder, apply balm to heal, 
Else the wound will broaden and Satan prevail. 

Let walls of salvation be built round the flock, 
Each keep his station, and lead on the stock; 
Let leaders and preachers, selected by grace, 
And pastors and teachers fill each one his place. 



56 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



The worm of contention, division, and strife 

Is Satan's invention to rob them of life ; 

Keep peace in yonr borders; let wolves stand aside, 

Who breed all disorders, and glory in pride. 

Let each be kept clean from iniquity's spots, 
Beware of fonl sin, confusion, and blots, 
Wash them off in the fountain of Jesus' blood, 
Bring them up to the mountain of heaven and God. 

Ye shepherds, be careful to watch and to pray 
That each, with Saint Paul, may be able to say, 
4 As I follow Jesus, let each follow me, 
And to heav'n he'll bring us, His glory to see.' " 

William Petherick. 

The foregoing is not exactly smooth and finished 
poetry, nevertheless, for its piety and applicability to a 
Christian pastor, especially to an itinerant minister, it 
has the true gospel ring. The shout of this people was, 
"On, brethren! on, for the salvation of souls!" and 
Miss Pearce was not behind any of her fellow laborers 
in keeping up the gospel shout. 

Notwithstanding the indomitable spirit of Miss 
Pearce, her excessive labors made considerable inroads 
upon her frail constitution ; and she appears at this 
time to have suffered under a considerable mental con- 
flict, on account of her physical infirmities. A copy of 
a letter written by her to an elderly friend for counsel, 
is found on the back of the plan for Buckfastleigh and 
Chagford Circuits, for 1826-7, dated 

Avetongifford, January 31st, 1827. 
Dear Father in the Gospel: 

Feeling in a strait, and not knowing liow to proceed, I would 
gladly ask your advice as a father and a friend. [And at the 
quarterly meeting, she made known her bodily afflictions to 

Brother T ; and she accordingly remained at the house 

of a friend in Avetongilford, and medicated for a few days. 
But the result touching a cure seems to have been uncertain. 
She says :] But Brother Glass wished me to take the plan, and 
at this time I am in a regular plan, but I am very weak ; yet I 
am willing to do the will of my Heavenly Father. Of late I 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



57 



have been so harrassed in mind, that it is with difficulty I have 
prayed and spoken in the name of the Lord. The people in 
this place wish me to remain with them, and pnt on a school, 
that they may have some one with them as a leader. They 
have, kindly offered room at three pence a week ; and many 
parents have b*;en to me, and desired me to teach their chil- 
dren, and the friends say if I have not scholars enough to free 
my expenses, that they will give me meat, and any thing else 
that I stand in need of. But I have above twenty children 
offered me already. I doubt not but I might get a livelihood 
here, and the young converts want some one to take them by 
the hand. Besides, there is a local preacher needed in this 
neighborhood and many other places which might be opened 
for preaching; and I doubt not, if faithful, but I might be 
made useful among this people. And did I know that it was 
the will of God, I should not hesitate a moment to act; but 
sometimes, when I am praying to know the will of God, I am 
at a stand lest my own will should interpose, for I would rather 
remain in the sphere of action in which I am already engaged. 
I consider it would be better for me to go home for a while, 
until I am certain I am cured, than to proceed, in my present 
state of health, in the work of the Lord. This appears most 
desirable to me ; nevertheless, I am williug to do as you advise 
me, for it is my desire to do all things with an eye single to the 
glory of God. Hannah Pearce. 

It appears from her plans, after all, that she neither 
located, went home, nor even suspended her itinerant 
toils. Her health probably improved, and with health 
and ability to do the work to which she felt herself 
called, she could not possibly be happy without work- 
ing for Christ. 

"Each pleasure hath its poison too, 
And every sweet a snare." 

Doctor Isaac "Watts had experimental evidence of the 
verity of the above poetic statement ; and Miss Pearce, 
as might have been expected, apart from her personal 
attractions, from the religious influences attending her 
public services, was, occasionally at least, subject to 
the annoyance of proposed suitors. This difficulty, 
however, from her strong natural sense, was antici- 
pated, and a calm and fixed resolution formed, in the 



5S 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



fear of God, how to meet it, and in her own bland, easy, 
and respectful manner, she readily disposed of several 
cases of the kind. One instance, however, where 
wealth, piety, and age were combined, and the persis- 
tancy with which the application was urged, accom- 
panied as it was with flattering promises of comparative 
ease, and comforts which both a carriage and guineas 
conld yield, had not the slightest effect upon her mind, 
to turn her aside from what she believed to be the 
path of duty. Her eye was single, and her body was 
full of light ; so that the specious bait, which to many 
might have proved sufficient, of continuing to travel 
and have a carriage at command, and money to assist 
in building meeting-houses, failed with her. Frail as 
was her health, and low as was her purse, all these 
shining things, to her, were less than nothing, and 
vanity. Her mission from heaven was not to secure a 
rich husband, but to save souls ; and she kept this 
object constantly before her mind. 

Yet it should not be inferred from all this, that she 
had resolved on perpetual celibacy ; but she was con- 
strained by the love of Christ, and an unquenchable 
desire to do good, to spend at least her youthful days in 
blowing the silver trumpet of the gospel, as God might 
give ability and opportunity, trusting to providential 
indications for her future sphere in life. Hence her 
declination of what seemed a fine opportunity to be 
comfortably settled in domestic life. 

In this frame of mind, it would seem, she went on to 
the " Hastings Mission," in the county of Kent. Here, 
in the providence of God, she made the acquaintance 
of Mr. William Eeeves, whom she afterwards married. 
How this took place is somewhat noteworthy. Mr. 
Eeeves was born and raised in the village of Staple- 
hurst, in Kent, in the Established Church, but had been 
converted, and commenced calling sinners to repent- 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



59 



ance, in the Wesleyan Methodist connection. But out- 
side of the State Church, Calvinism and Antinomianism 
were the prevailing doctrines ; so that Methodism in 
the neighborhood had but a sickly growth, and an 
organization could not be maintained. In view of these 
facts, Mr. Eeeves connected himself with an independent 
church — a 4 £ mixed communion ' ' — and was exercising 
in that organization as a lay-preacher. Peeling a burn- 
ing zeal to become more extensively useful, with the 
advice of his pastor and other friends, he offered him- 
self to the London Missionary Society, as a candidate 
for a foreign field. But in consequence of a failure of 
some of the country banks, the number of students 
could not be increased in the Missionary College, and 
through the secretary he was advised to withdraw his 
application for the present. Then, having hea rd of the 
great revival of religion in the United States, he con- 
cluded to go and see what the Lord was doing there, 
expecting to remain a year or two, then return and 
decide for the future. While surrounded by these cir- 
cumstances, he was cordially invited by an esteemed 
friend, a Wesleyan Methodist, to go and hear a young 
lady preach in the village of Milkhouse Street, about 
four miles distant. But being under the common im- 
pression that female preaching was under the ban of 
the Apostolic prohibition, he positively refused to 
go, alleging that he could neither go to countenance 
nor oppose it. After a while, however, the invitation 
was repeated ; and then he reflected, and in due time 
thought it possible that he might have misunderstood 
St. Paul. Pinally he concluded to go at any rate, and 
give the young lady a hearing, anticipating some 
amusement, at least, from the presumed mistakes and 
blunders she would make. So in company with his 
Methodist friend, he went. According to repute, it 
was a wicked place ; the meeting was in a private house, 



60 THE LADY PREACHER: 

but no interruption was made. The congregation col- 
lected, and the meeting was commenced. And O, the 
fervency of her prayer ! She indeed had power with 
God, and what a heart-melting and will-subduing 
influence from on high rested on the congregation! 
Then all were attentive to hear the text. It was 1 
Cor. i. 30 : "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of 
God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, and sancti- 
fication, and redemption.-' And judge of this young 
man ? s surprise to hear this youthful female read such a 
passage of Scripture for discussion — worthy of a master 
workman ! and to hear her for a full hour unfold the 
grand doctrines it contained with such ease, ability, 
and pathos, accompanied with a divine unction that 
made him truly ashamed of his own puny performances. 
And he resolved to go home and pray, and study to 
become a better man and a more efficient preacher, or 
abandon the idea of the ministerial calling altogether. 
It may be proper to state the fact, in this connection, 
that at this meeting young Beeves felt his heart deeply 
smitten, not only by the sermon, but by the charms of 
the lady preacher herself. TThen this Christian lady 
preached the above mentioned good sermon, she aimed, 
no doubt, at the glory of Christ and the salvation of 
souls, and had no thought at all in her heart that she 
was winning to herself a first-rate husband, in the 
person of William Beeves, a fit helper and protector in 
all after life. Such was the providence of God in this 
case. 

At the close of the services, his Methodist friend 
asked him if he would like to be introduced to Miss 
Pearce. He answered, "Most certainly." So after 
the congregation had left the house, he was introduced 
to her in due form. In the course of conversation. Mr. 
Beeves inquired of her how it was that she could stand 
up and preach for an hour, and discuss such important 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



61 



doctrines "without note or comment" before her, 
alleging that he was trying to do a little in that way, 
but he must have his notes. She looked upon him for 
a moment, it was either a look of pity or disdain, he 
could hardly tell which, and exclaimed : " Throw away 
your crutches, and fight like a man I" This reply was 
almost overwhelming, and he felt small enough, if it 
were possible, to have crept into a mouse hole, and 
wanted to hide his head for very shame. After he had 
recovered from the shock of such a subduing response, 
he did then and there resolve on higher attainments 
of grace, and to study more faithfully the word of 
God, that he too might become a workman, not need- 
ing to be ashamed. 

This led to other visits and further acquaintance; 
and before leaving his native land for the then far off 
America, he went down and spent a Sabbath with her. 
That day they walked together from fifteen to eighteen 
miles, and had three public services. She had to do 
nearly all the work, for the people would not consent 
to the proposed change of preachers. He probably 
preached once, and once he exhorted during the day. 
Again Mr. Reeves was doomed to mortification; for 
when they were in a low, level part of the country, 
called the "South Downs," a sea bottom land, sud- 
denly a storm of rain came on, and seeing a bushy tree 
in the distance, which might afford some shelter, Miss 
Pearce said (there being three in company) : 4 c We 
must all take care of ourselves ;" and soon she was far 
in advance, leaving Mr. Reeves, who, unfortunately, 
had on him a new pair of boots that hurt his feet, far 
in the rear. To him it was quite humiliating to have 
this damsel distance him in a race to the sheltering 
tree. 

At the dwelling of this Methodist friend and Chris- 
tian brother, before his departure for the United States, 
6 



62 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



Mr. Beeves had a remarkable manifestation. Miss 
Pearce and several other friends and neighbors were 
present, and among them Mr. Beeves. It was at a 
private or family prayer-meeting, a most precious sea- 
son, indeed, and all present appeared to partake of the 
same heavenly spirit. Of course Miss Pearce, who 
was the center of attraction, led in the sacred services 
on that occasion. Overpowered by an influence from 
Heaven, which left him without bodily strength, Mr. 
Beeves fell to the floor, and broke out into a convulsive 
paroxysm of laughter, and beat his head against the 
floor, which alarmed some persons present. But 
Miss Pearce, having witnessed so many similarly 
affected, was filled with rejoicing rather than alarm. 
Truly it was a memorable time. Such scenes often 
occurred in great revivals in the early history of Meth- 
odism, both in Europe and America. It may be added 
that, before the final farewell, Mr. Beeves obtained 
permission to correspond with Miss Pearce, with the 
wide ocean between them. 



MRS. HANNAH It EE VES. 



63 



CHAPTER VI. 



Prayer for a revival— Its success— A funeral sermon— A letter 
of Rev. A. Morris, Canada— Mr. Reeves comes to the United 
States— Enters into itinerant labors— Efforts to induce Miss 
Pearce to come to him— Her first letter to Mr. Reeves in 
America — Her mental conflict— Her ultimate deliverance and 
joy— Will now go to America— In a second letter Mr. Reeves 
notified of that fact— Comments on this letter. 

~TT"7"HILE Miss Pearce was on this mission, one 



T f instance of a remarkable answer to prayer may 
be recorded. At Wood-Church the society was very 
small, and consisted chiefly of females. A very pious 
lady, the wife of the brother in whose house the meet- 
ings were held, and a special friend of the preacher's, 
feeling the social and associational deficiency, proposed 
to Miss Pearce, and probably to another friend, to 
covenant to pray two hours — say from twelve to two 
o'clock daily — for a given length of time, for a revival 
of the work of G-od among them, and especially to pray 
for the men in the neighborhood ; for as she familiarly 
said: "We are such a women set, and we need some 
men among us ; we need them to lead the singing, and 
in business matters." These true-hearted Christian 
women did thus pray, according to their covenant, full 
two hours each day, and the happy result was a glorious 
revival of religion. The men were converted as well as 
the women, and among the men good musical talents 
were found ; so that they soon had an excellent choir 
of singers, with various instruments of music. Deeply 
pious as these "Bible Christians " were, they had no 
conscientious scruples against instrumental music in 
the church, when used to assist, and not to supersede 




64 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



congregational singing. So that their cords were 
lengthened and their stakes strengthened, in answer 
to united and fervent prayer. 

The occasion which brought this revival fully out, 
was the funeral of a woman of rather a notorious 
character. The people came in crowds to hear what 
would be said about the deceased — whether Miss 
Pearce would preach her to heaven, or otherwise. The 
Lord was present in the power of His Spirit, first to 
wound and then to heal, to convict and to convert the 
people. Prayer was used, preaching was used, all 
earnestly and faithfully, and God sent the revival. It is 
God alone who giveth the increase. 

It may be proper to close this account of the labors 
of Miss Pearce on this mission, by introducing a letter 
written recently by the minister who was superintendent 
of the appointment at that time. He has been super- 
annuated for some years, and resides in Canada. 

Uxbridge, AprU 28th, 1809. 

Bear Brother Reeves : 

As you requested me to write a few particulars which I can 
recollect touching the character of your departed wife, during 
the year that we traveled on the Hastings Mission, I cheerfully 
send you the following. It was an extensive field, long 
journeys, preaching every evening except Saturday, and twice 
on the Sabbath, and she traveled the same journeys as her 
colleagues. She attracted and drew larger congregations than 
ourselves, and she was made a blessing to many persons by her 
ministry, and by her visiting from house to house, which wag 
particularly attended to at that time. I can recollect many 
precious seasons we had when we met occasionally. Had I re- 
corded any thing at that time, to which I could now refer, I 
might have been able to state more matter, and of more im- 
portance on this occasion, which would have rendered some 
assistance to you at this time. May the Lord bless you under 
this heavy affliction, and may he assist in the undertaking of 
preparing a memoir of your departed wife. 

Yours truly, A. Morris. 

We now introduce the correspondence between Mr. 



MRS. HAJSNAH REEVES. 



65 



Reeves and Miss Pearce, which took place after he left 
his native land for the United States— or, more pro- 
perly speaking, her part of the correspondence. 

It should be borne in mind that when Mr. Reeves 
emigrated to America, he designed to return to Eng- 
land in a year or two, and then decide on the future, 
if circumstances favored it. His mind was inclined to 
a foreign missionary field, probably somewhere in the 
East Indies ; but if not, and his mind should be favora- 
bly impressed with the United States, to return there 
and remain for life. In either case, the calculation 
was, if possible, to make Miss Pearce, who had now so 
fully gained his heart, his companion, and to marry 
her before leaving England. But from several causes 
deemed sufficient by him, he changed his purpose, and 
did not return to England, but entered the itinerant 
ranks of what was then called " The Associated Meth- 
odist Churches," at their first Annual Conference, held 
in Cincinnati, Ohio, October loth, 1829. This Church, 
in 1830, at the formation of her constitution, took the 
name of the 4 'Methodist Protestant Church, " and then 
again, in the year 1866, for the sake of union with the 
Wesleyan Methodist connection, she fell back on the 
original name, "The Methodist Church," by which 
she is now known. 

Anticipating insurmountable difficulties and mani- 
fold objections in his way, Mr. Reeves wrote and en- 
deavored to persuade Miss Pearce to come over to him, 
as he could not return to England for her. The fol- 
lowing is a copy of her letter in reply, which evinces, 
of course, some disappointment, but with it deep piety, 
good sense, a scrupulous regard for the cause and 
honor of God, with a sweet resignation to the Divine 
will, and full trust in his providence to remove the 
mountainous obstructions which loomed up in the way 
of their coming together. 
6* 



66 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



Portsmouth, February 27th, 1830. 
Dear Brother in the Lord Jesus : 

Being alone, before I began to write, I felt it my duty to sup- 
plicate the throne of grace, and prayed that God would make 
known what his will is concerning me, feeling resigned to all 
that which the Lord seeth best for me ; for I know God is too 
good to be unkind, and too wise to err; and if I follow the dic- 
tates of the Spirit of God, I shall be led into all truth, and I can 
truly say, " Kot my will, but thine be done." I believe if it be 
the will of God that I shall go where thou art, I assuredly shall ; 
but at present, I do not see any way in which it is to be ac- 
complished. For I can not think of leaving England as I am — I 
mean without a friend that is a partner ; for I am sure that 
neither my parents nor brothers and sisters would allow me 
to do so. And I think it would have a very dark appearance, 
and considering the office I fill here, I think it is probable that 
it would do more harm to the cause of God than I ever was 
the means of doing good; and when I think of injuring the 
cause of God, I can not knowingly do so. And can you lay any 
charge to me on this account? I think not. But if you think 
proper, and feel it a duty to come after me, do so. But do not, 
if you think it will injure either bodj^ or soul.* Do not wrong 
your conscience for all the world can afford. I would n©t be 
the means of laying a stumbling block in your way, if I knew 
it, if I possibly could avoid it. I am sure that nothing but 
torment of mind would force me to comply with what you have 
written— that is to go to you, as I think it stepping out of 
the line. O, how mysterious are the ways of Providence to- 
wards his children ! When I read your welcome letter, I was 
led to praise God aloud for his mercy toward you. Little did 
you or I think, when you left England, that you were going to 
be entirely devoted to the work of the ministry; but the Lord 
saw what he designed you for. Well, my Brother Reeves, go 
on and prosper, in the name of the Lord of hosts, and if I never 
see you more in this world, I pray that you may have a long 
life, and a happy life, and a useful life ; that you may shine as 
a star of the first magnitude in glory everlasting ! May the 
Lord grant you many seals to your ministry, such as shall be 
the crown of your rejoicing here, and to all eternity! But shall 
I never see my Brother Reeves more in the flesh? Yes, I 
believe I shall, but liow, or when, I know not. I am thankful 
that you had so safe a passage to your desired country. I hope 
you are improving your privileges by praying fervently and 
watching diligently; then j r ou will live by faith in the Son of 
God every moment. 

* Mr. Reeves had suffered severely from sea-sickness in cross- 
ing the ocean. Of this Miss Pearce had information. 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



67 



As respects my health of "body, I am much "better than when 
I was in Kent. And with respect to my soul, of late I have ex- 
perienced a renewal of spiritual strength. I have a closer 
walk with God than I ever experienced in all my life. I am 
very comfortable, and have many friends. There are two 
preachers of us, and we have three chapels to attend, one in 
the South Sea, one in the Halfway House, and one at Hayling 
Island — the nrst two in Portsmouth, the other about seven 
miles distant. I have a room furnished in the house of one of 
the stewards, and the other preacher and his wife live in one 
of the chapels, and the work of God is going on delightfully, i 
assure you. I left Kent last August and came here, and I 
shall remain here until next August, for aught I know, and 
prohahly another year ; but of that I am not certain. And if 
you write so soon as you receive this, I shall receive your 
letter before I leave. And when you write, say positively what 
you mean to do, as I shall wait till August for an answer, and 
after that, I shall consider myself free from the engagement. 
Seek direction from God, and he will guide you into the ways 
of truth. And so will I, and if we lie passive in his hands, we 
shall do right. As you say, so am I of the same mind as when 
you left. 

But in what way it is to be brought about I know not. A 
thick cloud indeed interposes, but impossibilities (to us) may 
be performed by Omnipotence, and he will bring his purposes 
to pass in a way that I know not of. I hope and believe that 
you pray for me. I assure you that you are not forgotten by 
me once a day, but more particularly on Thursday evening. 
[It is a notable coincidence that both Miss Pearce and Mr. 
Reeves had set apart Thursday evening for the contemplation 
of the marriage life, and for Divine direction in that important 
matter.] I have some heart-reviving seasons on Thursday 
evenings, while pleading with God in your behalf. My language 
is, O Lord, bless William Reeves wherever he is, and make him 
useful in the vineyard, and then give him temporal blessings ! 
And sometimes I feel a confidence that the Lord does answer 
my feeble breathings. Glory to God, I feel the fire of his love 
kindling in my soul ! Yes, I sensibly feel the blessing of heaven 
dropping into my soul. Bless the Lord, this moment, for 
heaven I would leave all below. I have felt truly blessed in 
writing, and I pray that you may be blessed in reading. 

Give my kind love to Brother and Sister Needham, and I 
hope the Lord will yet bless them more and more. I received 
your letter on last Thursday evening. I have an opportunity 
of sending this to New York by a gentleman who is going to 
sail on Monday, if the wind is fair. As this opportunity offered 
itself, I thought it my duty to improve it. In this I have the 



OS 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



sentiments of my mind, and I do not mean to falter, except I 
am powerfully convinced of my error. May every new cove- 
nant blessing dwell richly in your soul, is the sincere prayer of 
Yours, etc., 

H. Peaece. 

In the foregoing epistle, Miss Pearce has alluded to 
the mental conflict she endured touching the request 
of Mr. Reeves for her to come to America. The cause 
of the conflict was the apparent impropriety of her 
undertaking such a journey without a protector, to- 
gether with the presumed opposition of her parents. 
She had been trained to strict obedience to parental 
authority ; and such were her scruples upon the sub- 
ject that, in her own strong language, u nothing but 
torment of mind would force her to comply." Kow, 
this torment of mind she did endure, but even this 
alone did not " force a compliance ;" but G-od in mercy 
interposed, and convinced her that it was her duty to 
comply, and gave her assurances that he would open 
the way for her. It was a remarkable case. The 
instant that she sent her declaration to Mr. Reeves, as 
in the case of Abraham at the time of his sacrifice, 
"an horror of great darkness fell upon her," and she 
had no rest for several weeks. She seemed as one 
deserted of G-od; she could neither study nor pray as in 
times past. Her mental agony was almost insupport- 
able. She could make no preparation for the pulpit, 
though ministerial labors were increased. Often she 
entered the pulpit in a seaport town, as Portsmouth, 
not knowing what her text or subject would be. And 
while the congregation was singing the second hymn, 
she would open the Bible, and the passage on the right 
or left hand page, about such a place, according to 
mental inclination, she would select and preach from, 
without the least preparation of study of the passage, 
and did frequently enjoy great liberty and power in 
preaching. She earnestly begged of God not to sutler 



MBS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



69 



her to fail, nor desert her in public, for the honor of his 
cause and the glory of his name, what ever she might 
endure in private. And he did not leave her, nor 
suffer her to come to shame before the people ; but as 
soon as her public labors were closed the darkness and 
distress returned, like the turning off of a gas-light. 

An instance of unusual power of the Spirit in preach- 
ing, during that terrible gloom, may be given. As 
usual, during that distressing eclipse, she entered the 
pulpit, not knowing what would be her text, and when 
the time came to preach, she opened the Bible, and the 
following words were presented to her view. "Have 
ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" Acts 
xix. 2. Instantly her soul said, That will do; and she 
preached with much freedom and power, a divine 
unction attending the word, so that the large auditory 
were astonished and delighted. She appeared to be 
raised far above herself that day. G-od certainly spoke 
through her to the people, so that the expansion of 
thought, and the power and beauty of language, all 
seemed to be right from Heaven. At the close of the 
discourse, an aged member from one of the other 
charges arose before that enraptured and spell-bound 
congregation, and requested her to preach that same 
sermon in their chapel ! But, as she said afterwards, 
that was impossible, unless God would repeat that same 
inspiration. Indeed, that text seemed too sacred to be 
touched again for a long time afterwards. 

But her dreadful time of gloom and distress passed 
away, and the morning of restored sunshine and happi- 
ness returned under the following circumstances. One 
day, in her room, she was engaged in deep meditation, 
when, all at once, her heart seemed to soften in an 
instant. She concluded it was a good time to pray, 
and she kneeled before God, and poured out her heart 
before him. Finding free access once more at the 



70 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



mercy-seat, she introduced the subject of Mr. Beeves' 
request for her to go to the United States. She brought 
up before God all the points of objection and pleaded 
them. But strange to say, God answered them all 
with suitable passages of Scripture, some of which have 
faded from memory, such as her scruple to go alone. 
But God gave her an assurance of his presence and 
protection. She alleged that she had no money to pay 
her passage. He said : ' ' The gold and silver are mine, " 
etc. But the strongest plea was, that her parents 
would oppose her going. The instant reply was, a He 
that loveth father or mother more than me, is not 
worthy of me." She yielded, saying, "Lord, it is 
enough; I will go." And then she was restored to her 
former light and liberty. And the following letter 
expresses her decision to cross the sea, and likewise 
notes her spiritual renewal and enjoyment : 

Portsmouth, May 14th, 1830. 
My very Dear Brother in our common Lord: 

May all the fullness of the Divine Spirit dwell in your pre- 
cious soul. As one of your friends is about to leave this place 
for New York, I embrace the present opportunity of writing to 
you. I wrote you a letter in the first week of March, and sent 
it by the hand of a gentleman, hut could not confide in him to 
carry it with safety; therefore, I take the liberty of sending 
you this communication. Since I wrote last, I have more 
abundantly supplicated the throne of grace for Divine direc- 
tion, and latterly many blessed seasons I have enjoyed from 
the hand of that God whom I delight to serve. At a certain 
season, when wrestling in the strength of prayer for Divine 
direction, my soul was abundantly blessed, and I could believe 
that a way would be opened for me in due time. I rest on this: 
the will of my Heavenly Father is best, and no good thing will 
he withhold from those who walk uprightly. Of late I have 
been blessed with a closer communion with God, and the re- 
visits (of his grace) have been reviving to my poor heart. On 
last Wednesday, at our union prayer-meeting, I was baptized 
afresh with the Holy Ghost, and, blessed be God ! I have felt 
the effects ever since. My soul, while I am writing, is all on 
fire to be dissolved in the love of God. I hope this will find you, 
my brother, in the enjoyment of a good state of health, both 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



71 



of "body and soul— enjoying all the blessings that it is your 
privilege to enjoy— and seeing the pleasure of the Lord pros- 
pering in your hands. I bless God. Of late we have much of 
the Divine favor. Some poor sinners have received His pardon- 
ing love, and others are still laboring under a sense of their 
guilt; and our congregations are much increased, and our 
labors are also increased, as we have taken another chapel in 
one of the main streets of this place. I have now to speak 
three times on Sundays, and four times on the week evenings ; 
two classes to lead, besides prayer-meetings to attend. But I 
find that my strength is according to my day. I do not recol- 
lect when I enjoyed a better state of health than now, and I 
know that I grow in grace. 

In the letter alluded to, I stated my desire for you to come 
to England in order that I might go with you. I do not think 
that I had thoroughly investigated the matter when I wrote to 
that effect. However, if you could make it convenient to do 
so, I should rejoice to see you ; but if not, do not make yourself 
unhappy on my account, as I am decided to go the first oppor- 
tunity, believing in my heart that it is the will of God that I 
should see America, and I believe I shall. Before I left Kent, 

Mr. B offered to pay my passage if I would go with him to 

America, and I think if I know when he designs going, I shall 
accept his offer. The last letter that I received from him, 
which was in February, he said that he desired to leave Kent 
the latter end of the summer, or early in the next spring. I 
wrote him a letter in April, but have not heard from him since. 
But if I do not hear from him any more, I will come as soon as 
I conveniently can ; and when you write, say how I had better 
come, and where you will meet me. As the distance is great, 
and it is so seldom we can communicate our thoughts to each 
other, I think it needful to say what we mean, as it is far from 
me to trifle in any degree, more particularly in such important 
matters, as I conclude we shall give an account to God for all 
our proceedings; and my daily prayer is, that I maybe directed 
by his Holy Spirit and guided by his counsel, and afterwards 
be brought to glory. Do write as soon as possible, and say all 
you think, and all you mean to do on the subject alluded to. 
Let me know all your mind. Do not keep anything from me, 
as I desire to know it all. There is a necessity for you to write 
so soon as possible, as it is likely that I shall be removed to 
another circuit in August; then I may not have your letter. 

I hope you still retain your station as a minister of Christ; if 
you do. without doubt you are happy in the employment of 
publishing the Saviour's name. Say in your next what are 
your thoughts, and the thoughts of the connection on the sub 
ject of female preaching; also the provision they make for 



72 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



their preachers, and the property owned by the denomination, 
and if there is any room for me with you. All that I can say is, 
be watchful, humble, prayerful, and obedient in all things, that 
you may be happy in time and in eternity. My dear brother, 
After I have said all that I have said, I leave it to your choice, 
or rather to your better judgment, to do as you think proper. 
And now, my dear brother, I commend you to Christ. May the 
Lord follow you with the might of his Spirit, that you may 
follow him with continual supplication in the Spirit ; and may 
you, from the fulness of Christ, receive grace for grace. The 
peace of God, and the God of peace be with you always ! If you 
have the opportunity, give my love to Brother and Sister Need- 
ham, etc. Excuse my scrawl, as the person is waiting. I con- 
clude with desiring your happiness in all things, and I would 
say, do pray for me at all times, but more abundantly on Thurs- 
day evenings. I am, dear brother, yours, &c, 

H. Pearcb. 

This letter speaks for itself. It shoves a mind and 
heart deeply imbued with the love of G-od and the love 
of her fellow creatures. It breathes out a fervency of 
spirit in relation to the work of the Lord. It shows 
that a wide, stormy ocean, coming in between her and 
the man to whom she had given her hand and heart, 
was, in reality, a matter of small consideration. This 
epistle was written with all the freeness and frankness 
of an unsophisticated mind and truly Christian heart, 
with no suspicion that any other eyes than his to whom 
it was addressed, would ever behold it ; and it was 
penned, too, in haste — while the person was waiting 
who was to take it on ship-board. If any one thing is 
made more prominent in this letter than another, it is 
the great amount of mental and ministerial labor per- 
formed by this thoroughgoing Christian lady. She 
says historically of her toils: "I have now to speak 
three times on Sunday, and four times on week even- 
ings; two classes to lead, besides prayer-meetings to 
attend." Seven sermons a week to preach, in part, at 
least, to the same people ! as in the city and suburbs 
a number from each congregation would follow her 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



73 



from chapel to chapel. See, then, the variety that 
would be necessary to sustain her with credit for one 
year. To meet the demands of the public, it was her 
custom to rise at three or four o'clock in the morning, 
take her Bible, and read, and pray, and study several 
hours before breakfast. And yet she adds: "But I 
find that my strength is according to my day;" and 
affirms that "I do not recollect when I enjoyed a bet- 
ter state of health than now, and I know that I grow 
in grace." 



CHAPTER VII. 

The delicacy of introducing her letters considered— Her third 
letter — Continued conflicts — Fourth letter — Occurrences from 
the time she left Portsea Circuit till she sailed for America 
— Parental opposition — That opposition overcome — The 
"whole family yielded — John paid her passage, and gave her 
twenty sovereigns pocket money— The final parting— Has 
good company— Crosses the ocean. 

IT will be admitted on all hands to be a delicate mat- 
ter to bring these letters before the public, as they 
reveal the fact that she was deeply in love. Yet they 
reveal another fact, namely, that love to William 
Beeves did not in the least abate her love to the Saviour 
and his cause. She knew that marriage was an ordi- 
nance of God, and was pronounced by inspiration to be 
an honorable relation. In pledging herself to enter 
into this relation, she gave religion the foreground, and 
allowed it to rule the whole affair. She made choice 
of a man of talents, piety, and sound common sense as 
a partner in life, and in doing this she evinced her own 
good common sense and sound religion. She and the 
man of her choice were not unequally yoked together, 
and it may be said to the end of time that she did not 
make a fool of herself to get a husband. Her letters, 
7 



74 



THE 



LADY 



PRE A CHER : 



therefore, reveal so much of solid Christian character, 
that it is here deemed proper to introduce another of 
them. It is dated — 

Chandor Street, Portsea, June 11th, 1830. 
My much esteemed Brother m our Gracious Lord : 

This is to thank you for your pious and kind letters, and to 
assure you of my hearty affection for you, and for why ? Had 
you been a perfect stranger to me— had I hut heard that there 
was such a one who loved Christ in sincerity, and earnestly 
desired more communion with him, a deeper sense of his love, 
and larger communications of his grace, I should he greatly at 
fault to deny my love and respect to such a worthy object. 
But since I have had the spiritual "benefit and comfort of your 
acquaintance, and we have taken sweet counsel together, and 
have been mutually refreshed with the word of life, and have 
eaten of the same spiritual meat, and drank of the same cup, 
and received sweet pledges of our eternal communion with 
God, God forbid that I should ever be wanting in any office 
towards you, or towards that God whom I fear and delight to 
serve. * * * * * Yet I confess with shame that 
I fall short of many duties which devolve upon me as a Chris- 
tian ; but I pray the good Lord to enable me to run with delight 
and patience the race he hath set before me. 

I am glad to hear of your proficiency in the good ways of God; 
the farther you walk in them^ the sweeter you will find them, 
and in your honorable station, honor God by a faithful dis- 
charge of your duties, personal and ministerial. Be assured 
your labor is not in Vain in the Lord. Pray continually, own 
the substantia] s of religion, and seek wisdom from God, who 
will give it to you liberally. I hope, William, that this is your 
happiness, that you are under the care and tuition of a father- 
ly and special Providence. O that we may answer the calls 
of Providence ! Let us expect good things from a good God, 
and great things from a great God, through our faithful 
Mediator, who ever liveth to make intercession for us. 

Your first question— Is it well with thee? Well, as it respects 
my health of body; I bless God, I enjoy a good degree of 
strength. And in reference to my spiritual health, I can of a 
truth say, the Lord hath dealt bountifully with me. Since I 
saw or wrote to you, I have enjoyed very many precious bless- 
ings and soul-reviving showers of Divine grace, from the hand 
of my benevolent Benefactor. More particularly of late, my 
soul has been brought into closer communion with God, and I 
have felt it good while I sat under the droppings of his sanctu- 
ary I know that I am growing in grace, and although 1 have 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



75 



many heart-wanderings to lament, yet suspense has not de- 
stroyed the sweets of religion. ><o, William, I thank God that 
I have learned a "better lesson, and believe there is an 
indissoluble knot between us that neither silence nor distance 
can break. Hitherto, I have, through grace, been enabled to 
cast all my care on him who caret h for me. The Lord has 
manifested his Fatherly protection and his tender regard 
toward me, in guiding my feet aright, and I have felt much 
delight in doing the will of my Heavenly Father ; and when I 
have felt nryself passive in the hands ot the Lord, I have dis- 
covered much beauty in sinking into the Divine will; and I 
believe if I am obedient to the will of God, I shall be brought 
safe to the haven of repose. 

In reference to my going to America, I am decided to em- 
brace the first opportunity of going. I will assure you that the 
only cause of my going is that I may be found doing the will 
of God. Since you left England, many thoughts have found a 
way into my mind, and would have resided within my heart 
had I not sought Divine direction ; and when I have brought 
the consequences of my leaving my native land to view, and 
considered the strength of affection that resides in the hearts 
of parents towards their children, I have concluded that my 
honored parents will not consent for me to leare them till I 
have closed their eyes in death. But I know by experience 
that God hath the hearts of all men at his disposal. Hitherto 
the Lord has opened my way to do his will, and I doubt not 
his faithfulness in this case also. I did not acquaint them of 
the circumstances till this week, and I have not as yet received 
any answer : but I intend to go home so soon as possible. I 
have made application to leave this circuit immediately, but 
the leaders would not hear me, and my fellow laborers re- 
quested me to remain till Conference, which is to commence 
on the 27th of July; but no one knows or suspects the cause 
of my giving up my appointment with the exception of a 
venerable old leader. I thought it proper to acquaint him of 
the circumstances, for in counsel there is wisdom. ."When I 
made him acquainted with the facts in the case, the old saint 
said, Wait a little, and I will tell thee in a few days. And at the 
time appointed, I stated the feelings of parents toward their 
children, and every objection I thought of against my leaving. 
But, said the man of God, art thou convinced that it is the will 
of God? I know thou art, for, said he, I have brought thy case 
before God, and am satisfied that it his will tor thee to go ; and 
I believe, said he, that thou wilt have no constant peace till 
thou art there. And this I experience, although the Lord con- 
descended to bless me abundantly. Yet I feel such a restless- 
ness as I can not describe. I fear I am becoming dead to the 



76 



THE LADY PREACHER. 



ties of nature, and, I think, can this "be right ? Surely my heart 
is "becoming callous. But in this I now see the wisdom of God, 
for if I felt the strength of nature's ties as I once did, I believe 
if I spent my days in darkness, I could not break through. 
But now what are these things to me ? The inward voice is, 
; ' follow thou me." At present I have nothing to do with con- 
sequences; I have commited all into the hands of Him who is 
my faithful keeper. ********* The last week in 
May I received a letter from Mr. B., stating that he had taken 
a letter for me out of the office ******* and that 
it came from Brother Reeves in America. ****** Of 
course I was anxious to have it, and wrote requesting him to 
send it immediately, and I received it on Sunday. I feel grati- 
fied to read your strong expressions and force of arguments, 
and will assure you that it is on honorable and Christian 
principles that you may expect to see me. Tor did I not fear 
to displease the God whom I serve, I never should have seen 
your face in this world. 

For before I left Devonshire to go into Kent, I determined 
to rest in my father's house ; for although I was appointed to 
Kent by the Conference, I intended never to see the place ; but 
the Lord interposed, and I had to choose to spend my days in 
sorrow, under the disapprobation of Divine Providence, or go 
to Kent to publish the Saviour's name. The former I could 
not endure; therefore, reluctantly. I went to Kent. And this is 
the case now; if I remain in England I believe I shall drag 
heavily, for before I had decided to go to America, many weeks 
I spent in darkness, and I was led to cry to God to know the 
cause, when it was strongly forced upon my mind that I was 
withholding myself from God, and that, by refusing to be 
obedient to his Divine will, I should not answer the end of my 
creation. ****** The Lord is making bare his arm 
in this Portsea Circuit. Many have received Jesus as their 
Saviour. This year we have added about twenty to our church. 
This is a mercy, and a matter of thankfulness. Pardon the 
many imperfections of this scrawl, and accept from me all the 
regard my heart is capable of sending in my letter, and believe 
me yours, H. Peabce. 

The path of Miss Pearce, even after she had decided 
to discharge what now appeared to be her duty, name- 
ly, to go to the United States, seems to have been 
providentially obstructed, at least for a time. The 
following letter shows her willingness to comply with 
her conviction, but the way is not plain. It shows, 



MBS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



77 



too, the same strength of character, piety to God, at- 
tachment to the man who had won her heart, and a 
fixed purpose of soul to cross the ocean, according to 
Ms wishes, to consummate their contemplated union 
in America. What conflicts she encountered before 
the conquest was achieved ! 

Portsmouth, August 6th, 1830. 

My Dear Brother Reeves : 

May the God of peace give you peace always. As I am about 
to leave this place, I feel it my duty to write. Our Conference 
commenced J uly 22d, and closed August 3d ; and as I intend to 
leave England, I felt it my duty to inform the Conference of 
my intention, and I desired they would appoint me to a circuit 
near my father's house, (for I did not think of emigrating to 
America till in March,) hut to my very great surprise, I am 
appointed in the Forest of Dean, in Gloucestershire, and a 
part of the circuit extends into Wales, which is a very great 
distance ; and as I have not seen my parents for two years, 
before I embark I meant to go home to take my farewell of 
them, till the great day of accounts. I shall leave Portsmouth 
on Tuesday, the 10th of August. I intend to embark on the 
15th of September, from Plymouth or Portsmouth, for Kew 
York, in the steam packet, and in about a month I shall be in 
New York. I shall write you, but do not be disappointed if my 
parents should prevail, and detain me with them during the 
winter. At present I do not mean to stay with them ; but I am 
aware of their tender affection, and the influence it will have. 
But believing the steps which I am about to take are of the 
Lord, I shall not, with any satisfaction, tarry. For of a truth, 
when I have reasoned on my continuance at home, in my 
native country, I have more than f>nce brought darkness on 
my mind ; and I will assure 3-ou that it was not until I was 
obliged, that I consented to be a stranger in a strange land. 
As happiness is my aim, and nothing else would satisfy in 
order to receive this blessing, I know I must become obedient 
to the will of God. 

Could I tell you half what I have had to encounter from 
Satan, and reasoning with flesh and blood, I am sure you would 
pray mightily for me. When I have counted the cost, I have 
almost concluded I never shall get through. I have suffered 
much from the thought of leaving my parents. Once I ex- 
claimed, O Lord, I can not ; any thing but leaving my parents ! 
When a portion of God's word was powerfully applied to my 
mind, "He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not 
7* 



78 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



worthy of me," at once I cried, Lord, forgive me, and give 
me grace and I Trill do thy will. And since then I have given 
myself afresh to God, and committed my all into his gracious 
hands. I have made some progress in religion. I helieve if I 
had been obedient and followed the guidance of his provi- 
dence, I might have enjoyed much more of his Divine presence. 

In the beginniug of June a vessel left Portsmouth for Xew 
Brunswick, and I knew the captain well. I went on hoard, and 
the captain offered to take me free of all expense ; hut there 
was no time to go home to see nry parents and prepare for the 
voyage, and I concluded it best to decline accepting his offer. 
But of a truth I have suffered in mind, being convinced that 
opportunity was a good one, and that it was entirely in my 
power to embrace it ; but 0, how liable we are to err ! 

I hope this will rind you in good health of body and soul, and 
doing the will of that God in whose service you are engaged. 
And I trust and believe that God is with you. I have been 
blessed in prayer for you, especial^ on Thursdays ; but of late 
I have not felt that union of spirit usually enjoyed. I have 
thought it possible that William does not pray for me as he 
did at first ; but doubtless the fault is in me. Bless God, we 
have seen the power of the Lord in this place. Some of the 
most vile have been brought to God, and believers are more 
established on the eternal Rock. I have received two letters 
from you, one bears the date of November 25th, 1829, the other 
March 29th, 1830; and I sent you a letter the 1st of March, by a 
friend, and another the 15th of May, and a third in June ; but I 
have not received any from you in answer to those. Whether 
you have received them or not, I know not. If you have not, 
doubtless you have given up all thought of seeing me. And if 
your views are changed in any thing in reference to myself, 
write immediately, and with all the Christian fortitude I 
possess, I shall meet it. 

I visited the Isle of TTOght, at the midsummer quarterly 
meeting, and we had a refreshing season indeed. O, it was a 
shower of heart-reviving grace ! In the connection there is an 
increase this year, and the Conference has been in peace, and 
the preachers are well satisfied, and are returning to their 
circuits much refreshed in spirit. One of them returns to 
Portsmouth, and used many arguments with me against my 
leaving them. He said that some of the Conference thought it 
an opening of Providence, while others thought it an un- 
guarded step; but one of the preachers said he believed it to 
be right that I should go, and so the question was dropped. 
If you think proper, give my love to Mr. and Mrs. Xeedham. 
ai i < I my ot her friends. My father and mother, and brother and 
sister are in good health; and in the neighborhood they have 



MRS. HA NN AH REEVES. 



79 



a great revival of religion. May the great and ever glorious 
God be your friend, is the prayer of your unworthy sister in 
Christ, H. Pearce. 

P. S. — I do anticipate the period of seeing you in this world ; 
"but if not, I hope the good Lord will grant us grace to live to 
his glory, that we may meet above. Allow me to request you 
to he watchful, prayerful, faithful, and obedient in your 
Master's service, as eternity is at hand. O. William, live in 
God, dwell in God, experience a full salvation, enjoy the sub- 
stantiate of religion, and then your preaching will be powerful, 
useful, and successful. May God bless thee now. H. P. 

This letter, like the others, indicates an honest love 
for TTilliarn Beeves, but a higher love for God. Han- 
nah Pearce was never designed for a nunnery. Her 
place was the active service of the Church. 

It will be of interest to give some account of what 
transpired from the time that Miss Pearce left the 
Portsea Circuit until she Trent on board ship for 
America. She did decline going to that distant and 
laborious circuit in the Forest Dean. Under the pecu- 
liar circumstances of the case, she felt justified in the 
decision, as her own wishes, desires, and expectations 
had all been disregarded in her appointment to that 
field of labor. She went home to see her parents, and 
soon she saw the general superintendent, Mr. TTilliarn 
O 'Bryan, to whom she made known the whole matter. 
And he, like a father in Christ, extended to her the 
sympathy her case required, by saying: "Well, my 
maid, there is a circuit close by without a preacher ; 
go and take that appointment."' And then and there 
he invoked the Divine blessing upon her labors. Here- 
in, as in many other instances in her history, how 
plainly the hand of Providence appears ! This was 
the Brentor Circuit, contiguous to the parental home- 
stead. By gaining this appointment, a pleasurable 
opportunity was afforded Miss Pearce, every round, of 
visiting her parents, and so, by a judicious course, and 
by slow degrees, to remove their great opposition to 



80 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



her going to the United States. For, as was reason- 
ably to be anticipated, they were decidedly averse to 
her going there. Ir being across the ocean, and so far 
from home, it seemed to them to be unwise, imprudent, 
and calculated to tarnish her fair reputation. Her 
father at first, and in improper haste and harshness, 
said : "I would rather both your limbs were broken, 
and then have to maintain you a cripple for life, than 
that you should goP The mother, more gentle in 
spirit, jet equally firm in her opposition, said: "I will 
never consent for you to go." " Then, : 5 meekly replied 
the daughter, "I shall never go, for when I was a 
child, I never dared to disobey you. And now, as a 
Christian, a child of God, I can not in conscience do 
it. But I firmly believe you will both yet give your 
consent, and I shall go." 

The method pursued by this youthful soldier of the 
cross to gain the consent of her parents, was worthy 
of both her head and heart. She put the letters of Mr. 
Beeves into their hands to read. The presumption 
with her was that one leading cause of their opposition 
was their non-acquaintance with him. They had never 
seen him nor heard of him before, and these lengthy 
epistles, in her estimation, might furnish, to some 
extent, a correct idea of his mental, moral, and spirit- 
ual status ; and so the event proved. Of course per- 
sonal conversation, also, at her monthly visitations, 
aided the attempt at the conviction of her parents. 

At length spring was approaching, and the crisis 
must come. The final yea or nay, to go or not to go, 
must be met. And it would seem that the parents, 
without being fully conscious of it, were now about 
ready for the decisive hour. But the daughter, as yet, 
knew it not. In keeping with the general history of 
this remarkable woman, Providence again appeared in 
her behalf. One evening she had preached in the 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. 



81 



neighborhood, at a regular appointment, and of course 
her parents and brothers and sisters were present. 
Hannah, as usual, enjo}'ed the presence of the Lord in 
speaking to the people and in prayer to God ; it was 
a good spiritual meeting. After their return home, 
they had family prayer. Nearly all of this large family 
were members of the church, and lived in the enjoy- 
ment of experimental religion, so that it was not un- 
common for them to have quite a little prayer-meeting 
in the family circle. At this time several of the family 
had already prayed, and Hannah also engaged in 
prayer, and she was much blessed in the exercise, and 
was drawn out in earnest pleading for the family. She 
prayed for her father and mother, m a very special 
manner, separately ; then for her brothers and sisters 
individually; and then at last for herself, and was much 
drawn out in fervent supplication for grace and wis- 
dom to fit her for her arduous work ; and proceeded 
to dedicate herself afresh to G-q£, in bod}', soul and 
spirit, time, talents — all she possessed, adding : "Lord, 
if it be thy will for me to continue to labor in thy vine- 
yard in which I am now engaged, I will do it. The 
family, not excepting the father, offering responses, 
"Amen, amen!" "Yea, Lord," she continued, "if 
it be thy will for me to go to the ends of the earth. I 
will go." "Amen!" replied the father. "If thou 
wouldst have me go to Asia or Africa, Ijwill go!" 
"Amen," was the fervent parental response. "Or to 
America I will go." "Amen," the father replied. 
Prayer ended, and she instantly arose and went to her 
father, and took him by the hand, saying: "Father, I 
thank you for having finally consented for me to go to 
the United States." Astonished, he exclaimed, "I 
consented? never! never!" "Why, yes, father, upon 
3 T our knees before God you said amen to it." With 
deep emotion he yielded, and said: "My child, it is 



82 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



well for you that God has undertaken your case. I 
have been convinced for some time that it is your duty to 
do so, but I could not consent." And the mother, too, 
readily }~ielded. Still more, the whole family were will- 
ing to give her up. Then, strange as it may appear, 
the parents were the first to urge her to go quickly, as 
if they had detained her too long, or fearing the vessel 
might leave. And again the hand of God is visible. 
She had not sufficient means at command. For as in 
the common avocations of life, female labor is not 
rewarded equal to that of the sterner sex, so it happened 
here. These female assistant preachers, though they 
performed labor equal to that of the male preachers, 
(save the governmental part belonging to the superin- 
tendents) yet their stipends were small indeed — much 
less than that of male preachers. But. unknown to 
her, her brother John went to Bideford and paid her 
passage money across the sea, and put twenty sove- 
reigns into her hands, privately, as pocket money ; 
literally fulfilling the Divine word, c, The silver is 
mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of Host-.** 
So through the hands of a benevolent brother, God. the 
rightful proprietor of all things, supplied her wants. 
This, to her and to the family, was a time of deep 
solicitude. In a few days she bade fareAvell to her be- 
loved parents and brothers and sisters, and the land 
of her bir/h. to cross the wide sea, her precious mother 
watching her, as one of her brothers drove off with her 
in a vehicle to the seaboard, exclaiming, as long as she 
could see her, ' c Hannah, be faithful ! Hannah, be faith- 
ful! Do you hear me, Hannah? Be faithful." Such a 
mother was worthy of such a daughter. Site probably 
felt as did the wife of Laban, when she sent her daughter 
Bebekah to be the wife of Isaac, that the whole matter 
was of the Lord, and that faithfulness to him would 
make her daughter a happy wife and secure her eternal 
welfare. 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. 



83 



The vessel did not leave the port for several days, 
and Miss Pearce began to feel lonely; and the great 
responsibility she had assumed to go into a distant 
land at the solicitation of a young man, now pressed 
upon her mind. But in this emergency she went to 
God in prayer. In a short time a pious looking young 
woman was seen approaching, and she ran down the 
stairs of the hotel, and accosted her thus: "Miss, are 
you not a Methodist?" For the Methodists in those 
days were known from the world, and from fashionable 
professors, by the plainness of their apparel. " Yes," 
was the instant reply. Said Miss Pearce, "I am stay- 
ing at this hotel for several days, waiting for a vessel 
to leave for America, and having no company, I feel 
lonely ; would you be kind enough to permit me to 
walk with you a little for recreation?" " Certainly," 
was the ready and cheerful answer, with the following 
addition : "I am going to a vessel in the harbor to see 
some friends of mine, who are also going to America." 
So they went on sweetly conversing together as true 
Christians, and when they went on board of the ship, 
lo! who should be there but several families, intimate 
friends of Miss Pearce, members of the same denomina- 
tion, whose houses had been the homes of the itinerant 
preachers, and among the rest, she, too, had often 
found a comfortable home with them ; and they were 
going to America, in the same vessel in which her 
brother had secured a berth for her to the western 
world. See how strikingly the providence of God 
opened the way of this pious and scrupulous Christian 
lady, laborer, to follow her convictions of the path of 
duty. Immediately arrangements were made for her 
to board with those dear Christian friends, and she was 
at home at once, and all danger from supposed indeli- 
cacy now disappeared. See how good and how safe it 
is to trust in God. We now leave her to sail over the 



S-i 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



ocean. She had a safe, though somewhat stormy pas- 
sage, it appears, across the "broad Atlantic;" "but her 
strong faith, even during the terrific tempest, would 
enable her to sing 



Landed at St. Andrews, Lower Canada— Her first letter to Mr. 
Reeves— She proceeded to Boston, then by stage to Albany— 
The tiresome passage—The rude doctor discomfited— He then 
turned on an ignorant Catholic for counting beads— Hannah 
came to the rescue, and nonplussed the doctor— She arrives 
at Albany in safety — Writes to Mr. Reeves to meet her in 
Cleveland— Is somewhat despondent — In traveling by canal 
she found a good friend — Then again other friends on the 
next boat — She went by a steamer from Buffalo to Cleveland 
— Mr. Reeves fails to meet her, not getting her letter in time 
— So by canal and stage she went on to Zanesville — He went 
to Cleveland to meet her— They passed each other on the 
canal— Incidents on the way to Zanesville. 

A T length she is safely landed, but as far from the 



J~\ point of her destination as she could well be, viz., 
St. Andrews, in Lower Canada. And from this point 
some incidents in her history demand notice until the 
time of her marriage with the Eev. William Eeeves. 
She had to take shipping again to Eastport, in the 
State of Maine. From this place she addressed a few 
lines to Mr. Eeeves, announcing her arrival, and re- 
questing him to meet her in Albany, Kew York. The 
following is the letter : 



Willi ax : 

Through the providence of God, I am permitted to set my 
foot on the American coast. I left my father's house on the 
4th of April, and sailed from Bideford on the 12th, for St. 
Andrews. We had fair wind for a few days. W r e were six 



" The waves an awful distance keep, 
And shrink from my devoted head." 



CHAPTEE VIII. 




Eastport, May 25th, 1831, 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



85 



weeks on the water. Of a truth, that God on whose arm I have 
trusted sustained nie. I had the opportunity of coining with 
a pious family, who proved to me as parents. We had a com- 
fortable vessel, a good captain, and an agreeable crew. There 
were of us one hundred and twenty-six passengers, and all 
from Devonshire. I mean to leave this place for New York in 
the first vessel that sails, and I think of going according to 
your directions ; hut if you could leave your circuit and meet 
me in Albany, I would he obliged to you. As I can not ascertain 
the exact time I shall be there, I think I had better write you 
from Albany, and wait your arrival ; and as I expect a gentle- 
man and his wife will come on with me, at least a part of the 
way, I may not need your acceptable company as far as Albany. 
I am aware that I shall find it very difficult to travel alone, and 
I hope you will arrange matters so as to meet me as soon as 
possible. You will have the kindness to excuse every imper- 
fection, as I am much fatigued with extra exertion, and I hope 
soon to see you: then I can tell you more than I can write. 

I am, William, yours as ever, H. Pearce. 

It appears that Miss Pearce did not go to Xew York, 
as she intended, but sailed from Eastport to Boston. 
But before leaving Eastport, through some friends the 
word went out that she was a preacher, and she was 
constrained to permit an appointment to be published, 
and she preached to an attentive and appreciative 
audience in the Free-will Baptist church. On leaving, 
many people gave her an affectionate farewell. In due 
time she arrived in safety in the city of Boston. She 
was much pleased with the beauties of the place, par- 
ticularly with the Boston harbor. 

From Boston to Albany, a distance of about two 
hundred miles, she traveled in the stage, and found it 
a fatiguing journey. Fortunately for her, she took a 
goo^l seat, and having paid the fare through to Albany, 
she was entitled to retain it. They had not traveled 
far before other passengers came in, and among the 
rest a certain pompous doctor and his wife. The doc- 
tor, on entering the stage, in a tone of authority 
ordered Miss Pearce to vacate her seat to accommo- 
date his wife. Probably he thought that the plainness 
8 



86 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



of her dress was a fair indication that she was accus- 
tomed to obey orders. This, however, she declined, 
with the simple and soft answer, "I think not, sir." 
He repeated the demand with emphasis. Still the same 
soft answer was returned, " I think not, sir.'* By this 
time the driver gave the order "All aboard!" and the 
doctor and his wife had to crowd in as best they could. 
When they were seated, the doctor commenced up- 
braiding Miss Pearce for not yielding her seat in favor 
of his wife, who, he alleged, was indisposed. Then 
Miss Pearce assigned the reason for the course she 
pursued. She said: "I also am indisposed — worn 
down with a tedious sea voyage and much coast sail- 
ing; and I have no person to protect me. I am a 
stranger in a strange land, and I must protect myself. 
But notwithstanding all this, had you, sir, requested 
me to waive my claim to this comfortable seat with the 
politeness of a gentleman, I would cheerfully have 
done so, fatigued as I am ; but to be unceremoniously 
ordered to give place, I did not choose to do it. I was 
never accustomed to obey such rude orders." This 
kind of direct self-defence was direful in its effects, and 
it was as unanswerable as it was unexpected. The 
doctor, as might have been anticipated, was completely 
confounded, while the passengers generally richly 
enjoyed the discomfiture, and gibed him with 4 1 Doctor, 
you have met with your match this time." Having 
vanquished her assailant, she proceeded to complete 
the victory- Hitherto she had fought on the defensive; 
but now she brandished her Sheffieldian blade, ^nd 
made the following fatal stroke: "Sir," said she, with 
a mild but earnest glance, 1 1 in my native land, from 
my youth up, I was taught to believe that in the 
United States gentlemen were proverbial for their 
courtefey and kindness to ladies, especially to strange 
ladies. I hope I have met with an exception in the 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 87 

present case." This was the finishing stroke. The 
stage was filled with laughter, and the doctor with 
mortification, from which he found himself utterly 
unable to rally, on the seat question, for another onset; 
yet the doctor was not satisfied. He had in Miss 
Pearce found a strength of character and a power of 
self-defence which rather made him cower. In a short 
time, as if to redeem himself, and save his lost cause, 
on finding that there was in the stage a poor, illiterate 
Catholic woman, he commenced questioning her respect- 
ing the utility of counting beads, — presuming, probably, 
that what he had lost in a contest with one lady about 
a seat, he might be able to make up by encountering 
another on the question of beads. But in this, too, he 
failed in the final issue. For while the poor daughter 
of Erin could not cope with this professional gentle- 
man,- the young woman from Albion was found stand- 
ing at her back. From generous sympathy for the 
weaker party, and the doctor's manner of treating 
ladies, she deemed it right to lend her aid to the 
Catholic lady. Without revealing her own Church 
relations, or pretending to give the Catholic doctrine in- 
volved in the counting of beads her sanction, on the 
spur of the moment she attempted to make bead- 
counting mean something of value, in the following 
manner: "When we count one, it reminds us of the 
one living and true G-od ; when we count tvoo, we are 
reminded both of the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ, 
the Saviour of the world. When we count three, we 
remember the scriptural and important doctrine of the 
Trinity — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the 
Comforter. When we count four, we think of the four 
evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, with 
their respective gospel histories. When we count five, 
at once we are led to think of the five bleeding wounds 
the Saviour suffered to save our souls. When the num- 



88 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



ber six is counted, we call to mind the six days of crea- 
tion, the time when the Almighty made the heavens and 
the earth, and that six days are to be employed by us 
in honest and industrious avocations. When we count 
seven, not only is the holy Sabbath suggested, with all 
the sacred services of the sanctuary, but its typical and 
prophetical meaning, as it refers to our eternal rest in 
heaven." 

This exposition of the spiritual meaning and profit 
of bead-counting was also a salient exegesis, so wholly 
unexpected that it confounded the doctor. He then 
put the question direct to Miss Pearce: u Are you not 
a Catholic?" Her answer was, U I believe in the 
Catholic Church, sir," adroitly alluding to the univer- 
sal Church of Christ. Probably he understood her one 
way, while she meant another. He then inquired, 
"What are the leading principles of the Catholic 
Church?" She gave him rather a sarcastical glance, 
and said: "Sir, from your appearance I should judge 
that you are not ignorant of the principles of the 
Catholic Church. If I thought you were, I would ex- 
pound them to you by order. One prominent principle, 
however, is the following : " Whatsoever ye would that 
men should do to you, do ye even so to them : for this 
is the law and the prophets." This was another fatal 
stroke ; all saw its point, and that the doctor's whole 
course with the lady passengers fell under the con- 
demnation of this catholic principle, and they gave 
full vent to laughter. Soon after this the doctor and 
his wife found it convenient to leave the stage. 

One of the gentlemen, perceiving that she was posted 
upon religious subjects, inquired of her respecting the 
different denominations in England, and particularly 
the difference between the Whitefield and Wesleyan 
Methodists. She gave both the doctrinal and govern- 
mental difference, to the no small satisfaction of the 



MRS. 



HANNAH REEVES. 



89 



company, and the remainder of the journey was spent 
very agreeably indeed, and no doubt profitably, as the 
conversation then chiefly turned on religious subjects, 
and was carried on with candor and kindness, all seem- 
ing desirous of knowing the truth. 

They reached their journey's end in safety, and the 
next morning Miss Pearce wrote to Mr. Beeves, re- 
questing him, without fail, to meet her in Cleveland. 
In this epistle, for the first time, and the only instance, 
she seemed to suffer from depression of spirit. And is 
it any marvel that she should have at least one dark 
cloud to flit across the sky of her mind? Without it 
she would appear to be more than mortal. In this 
conflict she shows her susceptibility to suffering, (per- 
haps stage traveling affected her,) yet she rose superior 
to it all ; so that even here she appears as the victor 
still. The following is the letter refered to : 

Albaky, June 5th, 1831. 

Most Worthy Friend : 

May the good Lord bless yon continually! I wrote you from 
Eastport, stating my intention of writing you from Albany, as 
I could not ascertain the time and place most convenient for 
you to meet me. I arrived in Albany last evening, intending 
to remain here till you could come to me; "but I feel very un- 
comfortable, having no Christian friend to converse with, 
having left my English friends at Eastport. I find traveling 
without an earthly friend very inconvenient; it causes much de- 
pression of spirit. Nevertheless, I intend proceeding on my 
way in the morning, in a packet boat to Buffalo ; thence in a 
steamboat to Cleveland, where I hope you will not fail to meet 
me. I sensibly feel that a woman who trusts a lover's promise 
leans on a broken reed. T7ith candor, however, I acknowledge 
I have no room to distrust the veracity of your word; neither do 
I accuse you ; but I have, and still do rely on you with implicit 
confidence. But it is no marvel that the mind is thus excited, 
being left without any friendly aid, and exposed to all the 
power of temptation. And for the first time since I left my 
father's house the tear of grief trickles over the cheek of her 
who feels it a pleasure to comply with the request of him 
whom she believes to be the sun of her earthly joy. 

But why do I grieve when I feel that that God who is a friend 

8* 



90 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



in time of need is with me, and has proved a hiding-place in 
the storm, and a covert on the tempestuous sea ? I doubt not 
his fatherly care while I am found in the path of duty. I can 
not accuse myself of guilt in taking the step I have taken in 
coming to America. Surely I should not he favored with the 
smiles of approbation from him who is the searcher of hearts, 
and in his delightful service feel perfect freedom, if I were 
found a transgressor in his sight. I feel thankful that I can 
with confidence draw near to God, and call him my Father. 
Although I have in my journey been deprived of means, and 
exposed to danger, yet the good Lord has been with me. 
Never shall I forget that night when crossing the great deep, 
in which we lost the jib and part of the bulwarks. Knowing 
the danger, I began to pray, and the great Giver of all good so 
powerfully applied that portion of poetry to my mind — 

"As free from danger as from fear, 
While love, Almighty love, is near" — 

that I thought no more of the storm, but found sweet sleep and 
rested comfortably the remaining part of the night. In the 
morning the mate inquired how it was that I did not feel 
alarmed. I told him my hope was, if I were drowned, I should 
see and enjoy a sure heaven of bliss. He appeared confounded, 
and walked away. 

As soon as I recovered from sea-sickness, the captain sent a 
messenger, requesting that I would conduct the evening ser- 
vices ; but I did not feel it my duty, as we had a minister on 
board. The captain excused me that evening. The next Sun- 
day he said I was much recovered, and he would hear of no 
excuse. So I complied, and felt well in speaking to the people. 
It was the last Sunday we were on board except one, and that- 
one was very stormy, and we had no service on deck, but had 
prayer below. 

I feel almost ashamed when I see the date of your last letter, 
to think I never answered it. I hope you have many excuses 
in my favor. You wrote it in September, 1830, and I received 
it in October ; and I thought of coming in February, 1831, and 
so delayed writing. But something occurred in the family 
which proved a hindrance. I have come into this land, in 
which I hope I shall enjoy a growth in grace from day to day; 
and if I am faithful, I hope at last to meet all my dear friends 
in the world of bliss. Do excuse my scrawl and blunders— they 
are many. I am yours, as ever, H. Pearce. 

P. S.— Do not fail to meet me in Cleveland. I can not tell 
where I shall be in that city. You can inquire. I think I had 
better leave my address at the steam packet office in Cleve- 
land; then you will soon ascertain where I am. H. P. 



MRS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



91 



Miss Pearce journeyed on from Albany to Cleveland, 
Ohio. At that day the railroad was unknown. The 
canal boat was the common and popular mode of 
travel. She took passage on a packet canal boat for 
Buffalo. Soon she made the acquaintance of some very 
agreeable fellow travelers, among them a gentleman 
farmer in the State of Kew York, who became inter- 
ested in her conversation. This interest was increased 
from two facts. She was apparently much fatigued 
through constant travel, and was journeying alone and 
in a strange country. His wife being an English lady, 
deepened his interest and touched his sympathies. So 
he ventured to make a generous proposal to her, name- 
ly, to stop off and rest a few days at his residence, 
assuring her of the great gratification it would afford 
his wife, and added, as a further motive, that he had 
an accomplished daughter, who would take great plea- 
sure in her company and conversation. She thanked him 
for his generous proposition, but hesitated to accept it, 
seeing they would have to leave the boat in the night, 
and he lived some distance from the canal. His good 
sense instantly perceived the delicacy of the case, and 
he forthwith relieved her from embarrassment by say ing 
there was a hotel near the canal station, and she could 
tarry there till morning, when he and his daughter 
would come in a carriage and take her to his house. 
Then she gratefully accepted his kind offer. So they 
left the boat, and the gentleman called up the landlord, 
and charged him to let the lady stranger have a private 
room to herself, and see that she had every attention, 
and he would come for her in the morning. And true 
to his promise, at the appointed hour he was there with 
his daughter, and took her home, and she was at home 
there for three days, till she became rested and refreshed. 
And both parties appeared to be very much pleased — ■ 
the family and the guest. The hostess and Miss Pearce 



92 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



had much interesting conversation respecting their na- 
tive land. The family also gave American money in 
exchange for some European coin. Indeed, quite an 
intimacy sprung up between them, and the daughter 
and Miss Pearce corresponded for some time afterwards, 
until both were married. 

In due time Miss Pearce bade an affectionate farewell 
to this kind and hospitable family, and resumed her 
journey. The gentleman took her to the canal boat, 
and gave a strict charge to the captain to take special 
care of this stranger-friend. This was the slow line, 
and was chosen through the advice of the aforesaid 
gentleman from economical, and probably other mo- 
tives. JSTow it turned out that Miss Pearce had again 
the good fortune to find some very agreeable traveling 
companions, among them several Presbyterian gentle- 
man, whose religious conversation was very interesting 
and profitable. But the Sabbath came on, and what 
should they do ? To travel on the Sabbath was contrary 
to their religious convictions. To stop off at a low 
tavern on the canal, remain over Sunday with ungodly 
people and attend no church, was equally objectionable. 
So by mutual consent, all the circumstances considered, 
they judged it to be best to remain on the boat, and hold 
some religious meeting on board. This latter was from 
the suggestion of Miss Pearce. That day they held a 
prayer-meeting, and one of the Presbyterians read one 
of Mr. Wesley's sermons from a book belonging to this 
lady traveler. They, of course, did not suspect that she 
was a preacher, and did not invite her to officiate, nor 
did she feel free to make herself known as a preacher. 
There was, however, something about her which excited 
suspicion that she was more than an ordinary young 
woman. One of the company, in true Yankee style, 
questioned her closely, and then prophesied that she 
would become a missionary, if not a missionary's wife. 



MBS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



93 



And yet they did not even ask her to lead in prayer. 
This may have resulted from the old, unscriptural opin- 
ion that it is improper for a woman to pray in public. 
And so the company journeyed on to Buffalo, where 
they separated, never to meet again until they stand 
before the judgment-seat of Christ. 

From Buffalo Miss Pearce proceeded at once, by 
steam boat on Lake Erie, to Cleveland, Ohio, where 
she hoped to meet Mr. Eeeves. She immediately wrote 
to him, informing him of her safe arrival in that city, 
and urged him, if possible, to come and accompany her 
the remaining part of the journey. Here again she was 
destined to disappointment, and she remained there 
among strangers a whole week, at a large hotel, in great 
suspense. At length she concluded that either Mr. 
Eeeves was sick, or that he was engaged in a meeting of 
great interest, and could not leave, or that possibly her 
letter had failed to reach him. So she finally concluded, 
unpleasant as it was, to finish the tedious journey alone, 
and she proceeded at once to Zanesville, where arrange- 
ments were made for her reception. She took passage 
on a canal boat, the principal mode of conveyance at 
that day, forXashport, Muskingum county, Ohio. Her 
letter to Mr. Keeves, however, had not miscarried, but 
only delayed. And owing to this incident, and not to 
sickness, or any other cause, Mr. Eeeves did not leave 
for Cleveland until the same day that Miss Pearce de- 
parted for Zanesville. He also took the canal, and 
they passed each other in the night, near Zoar. In 
vain, therefore, were all his vigilant watchings of every 
j)assing boat by the way. On Saturday evening Mr. 
Eeeves arrived in Cleveland, and Miss Pearce in Zanes- 
ville. This, at the time, seemed very untoward to both 
the parties, but in it, after all, in relation to matters of 
gossip, there may have been an overruling Providence, 
by which the subtle serpent was foiled. And before 



94 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



they met at all, Miss Pearce had appeared in public be- 
fore a Zanesville congregation. 

The dreadful disappointment endured by Mr. Beeves 
when he was informed that Miss Pearce was not in 
Cleveland, we will not undertake to describe, nor to 
portray his mental perplexity ; for it was some time be- 
fore he could ascertain whether she had been in Cleve- 
land or not. ~No record was kept of the names of pas- 
sengers on the steamboats at that time, at least so he 
was informed. He finally found the hotel where she 
had tarried for a week, and then the name of the canal 
boat on which she took passage. Next the captain with 
whom he traveled to Cleveland informed him of passing 
the boat on which Miss Pearce had taken passage, as 
before stated, near Zoar. Then it was that the pertur- 
bation of his spirit ceased, and a mental calm ensued. 

Let us now return, and follow Miss Pearce to her 
journey's end. Now another remarkable incident oc- 
curred. She left the canal boat at Nashport, for 
Zanesville, on Saturday morning, and was informed by 
the landlord that the stage for Zanesville would not be 
in until late in the evening. She feared that would 
make it too late, on reaching Zanesville, for her to go to 
the friend's house where she had been directed to stay. 
She then had the prospect of spending the Sabbath in 
a hotel, which, under the circumstances, was peculiarly 
repulsive to her feelings. She deemed it a matter of 
sufficient importance to ask Divine interposition. She 
repaired to her room, and there prayed and pleaded 
with G-od to open the way, that she might spend the 
Sabbath in the sanctuary, among religious friends, and 
not at a public hotel. And strange to say, and so it ap- 
peared to the people at the time, about four o'clock in 
the afternoon, contrary to custom, the stage drove up with 
the horses wet with sweat, and foaming at the mouth. 
The landlord, astonished, inquired of the driver what 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



95 



it meant ; and the driver, equally astonished, replied, 
that he " could not tell what was up but he added, 
u the devil is in the horses, for they have been running- 
all day under the bit, and I can not hold them in I" 
Men of the world, who see the hand of God in nothing, 
will probably call this a lucky chance. But a true 
Christian, who believes that God answers prayer, will 
call it an interposition of Divine providence, intended 
to take this Christian lady out of perplexing troubles, 
and carry her safely to her long desired destination. 

And that was not all. In that same stage was a 
friend, ready to take care of her on her arrival in Zanes- 
ville, and introduce her to the members of the church. 
It was Mr. John Redhead, from Cincinnati, an Eng- 
lishman, whose acquaintance Mr, Reeves had provi- 
dentially made in that city, in 1829, and in whose house 
he lay sick at the time of Conference that same year ; 
and who had proved a foster father to him when he 
was a stranger in a strange land. He happened to be 
going to Zanesville on business — he had not been there 
for seven years, and might not be there again for seven 
years to come. But by the providence of God, he was 
there that time, and just in time to be of signal service 
to a very worthy Christian lady, who much needed a 
friend. Passing through the village of Irville, he 
observed a meeting house, and a congregation dispers- 
ing. This led him to inquire of some persons in the 
stage what church that was ; and learning that it was 
a Methodist Episcopal church, he inquired further 
respecting a young man who had been sick at his 
house in Cincinnati, and was a traveling preacher 
somewhere in that neighborhood. His name was 
asked, and the answer was, "A young Englishman by 
the name of Beeves, traveling among the Radicals/' 
(as the Methodist Protestants were then reproachfully 
called.) That name she heard, and the emotions it 



90 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



produced may be imagined. But as no one knew him, 
or could give any information concerning him, the 
conversation ceased. Presently, being anxious to ob- 
tain information on the subject, in a subdued tone she 
inquired of this friend from Cincinnati if he knew Mr. 
Reeves. He answered in the affirmative, and looking 
at her with astonishment, he inquired in turn of her if 
she knew any thing of this young man and the circuit 
he was traveling. Learning that she did, and being 
in possession of Mr. Beeves' secret, he instantly sus- 
pected who she was, and asked her plainly if she were 
not the young lady he was expecting from England. 
Her answer being in the affirmative, he was greatly 
delighted, and said he would sooner have met with her 
than with the Queen of England. He then gave her 
assurances that she was in the hands of a friend, one 
who would see to her wants. And sure enough, soon 
after their arrival in Zanesville, Mr. Redhead met 
with Mr. Henry ]STash, a local preacher in the Metho- 
dist Protestant Church, whose house was a home for 
the preachers, and where provision was made for her 
reception, and she was immediately among friends and 
at home. It was both a quarterly and presidential 
meeting time. The Be v. Cornelius Springer was Presi- 
dent. In a short time she was in the sanctuary, among 
the people of God, and the solemnities of the occasion 
did not hinder it being whispered around that Miss 
Pearce, from England, was there ; and the next day 
she was found enjoying social happiness among the 
children of the kingdom of God, instead of being at the 
hotel and among a people with no affiliation of spirit. 
Was not this whole matter under the guidance of a 
providential Hand ? Yet men of no religion, utterly 
without God in the world, will shut out Divine Provi- 
dence entirely, and call it nothing but good luck ! As 
though nothing but chance or luck managed the great 



MRS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



97 



and small affairs of this world. Christianity teaches 
that all things, great and small, are under the Divine 
care. The great worlds of immensity, the angels in 
heaven, the men upon earth, the beasts of the field, the 
worms of the dust, are all God's creatures. If it were 
not unworthy of him to make them, it can not be 
beneath him to take care of them, and to provide for 
all their wants, and for Miss Pearce, too, in a needy 
time, among the rest. Who but an infidel will deny 
this ? 



CHAPTER IX. 

Her first sermon in Zanesville— All are pleased with It— Mr. 
Reeves returns to Zanesville— The meeting and its joy— The 
marriage — Rev, C. Springer's account of her preaching— Their 
trip to McConnellsville— They stop at General Herrick's— 
The family prayer-meeting— Her success in preaching at 
McConnellsville— She preaches at Edwards' with success — 
She preaches in Zanesville— She preaches in various places 
during her bridal tour — Hannah is sorely tempted of Satan — 
Preaches in the Court-house, at Coshocton — Good is done — 
Mr. Reeves in perplexity while Hannah is in Newark. 

TN relation to her arrival in Zanesville, we take the 
I following from the Rev. C. Springer's biographical 
notice of Mrs. Reeves. u lliss Pearce arrived in Zanes- 
ville on Saturday evening. It was known that Mr. 
Reeves had gone to Cleveland to meet her, and she was 
not expected until his return. But so soon as it was 
known that the lady preacher had come, there was 
quite a stir among the people ; they wanted to see her. 
I was that year the executive officer of the district, and 
had at that time a quarterly and presidential meeting 
in Zanesville. The responsibility of managing this 
meeting rested on me. I had no opposition to female 
preaching, although I believe I had never heard one in 
the pulpit, and there was no one present who had ever 
9 



98 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



heard this lady, or who could give any assurance that 
she would be able to sustain herself. A failure in the 
infancy of our cause, and in such a place, might be 
more or less fatal to our enterprise. Under these cir- 
cumstances I trembled with solicitude. But an arrange- 
ment was made, and an appointment given out for her 
to preach on Sabbath evening; and the house was 
crowded to the full extent of its capacity. "When she 
came to fill the pulpit, she had not proceeded far 
before all my fears were dismissed, my sensibilities 
were allayed, and I felt proud of the performance ; and 
the whole congregation seemed moved and interested. 
I saw Judge Putnam, of the Presbyterian Church, one 
of the best men of the place, sitting near me, and being 
anxious to know his opinion in the matter, I spoke to 
him after the service was over. He replied that 'Such 
preaching was highly creditable, both to the church 
and the speaker.' The whole made a very strong im- 
pression in favor of the lad}'." 

So soon as practicable, considering the tedious mode 
of canal conve}^ance, Mr. Reeves returned to Zanes- 
ville, and found his friend, Mr. Bedhead, who had 
tarried two days beyond his time, to enjoy the pleasure 
of introducing him to Miss Pearce. The time for his 
departure arrived, the horses were hitched to the stage, 
and Mr. Bedhead about to step in, when Mr. Beeves 
met him in the street. The driver was requested to 
tarry a few minutes, and Mr. Bedhead and Mr. Beeves 
hastened to the house where Miss Pearce was staying, 
and they were introduced to each other by their mutual 
friend, who, to relieve them from bashfulness, said: 
" Now, Mr. Beeves, give her a hearty kiss." But he, 
either from over-bashfulness or from a deep sense of 
obligation and gratitude to Almighty God, or both, 
said, "Let us pray." The following note is found in 
Mr. Beeves' journal : 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



99 



" Mr. Bedhead could tarry no longer ; the coach was 
about starting ; he therefore interrupted us in our pri- 
vate thanksgiving to Almighty God for his kindness in 
bringing us together again in this life." Their friend, 
therefore, in the utmost hurry, bade them a hearty 
farewell, invoking, as he departed, the Divine blessing 
upon them, that they might be useful and happy. 

An arrangement had been made by Mr. Beeves to 
have the appointments on his circuit filled, for a few 
days, by an unstationed minister. This gave him time 
to enjoy the meeting now in progress, to pay all due 
respect to his lady love, and ultimately to be united to 
her by the solemn ties of holy matrimony. 

The popularity of Miss Pearce as a preacher appears 
from the following extract from Mr. Beeves' journal : 

"July 3d. — At sunrise this morning we held prayer- 
meeting in the chapel, and had a profitable time. At 
eleven o'clock I addressed the congregation from an 
interesting text. I took pains to explain each part as 
to me appeared calculated to edify and benefit the 
hearer. But this was not the case. Great complaints 
of not understanding me have been a matter of morti- 
fication to me, while I am satisfied that I have not de- 
livered one sermon in Zanesville, either last year or this, 
better calculated to edify a congregation. At all events, 
if I make one exception, I account for it when I find 
the anxiety in the people, and also among the member- 
ship, to hear sister Pearce. Kothing short of this will 
satisfy, seemingly, for a while. I am thankful that an 
excitement characterizes the meeting, let the instrument 
be whom it may, especially when one so dear to me 
renders so much public satisfaction." 

We have followed this lady preacher through a con- 
siderable portion of England, and noted her toils in the 
ministry ; then across the ocean, then to Cleveland, 
then to Zanesville, and seen her kind reception, and 



100 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



noted the high appreciation of her introductory gospel 
labors there, and her meeting with the Rev. William 
Beeves, the man who had won her heart in her native 
land, and for whom she had endured so much toil, and 
made so many sacrifices, and to whom this good Chris- 
tian lady is now to be united in marriage. On the 5th 
day of July, 1831, at the house of Henry JSTash, in the 
city of Zanesville, Ohio, Eev. William Beeves and Miss 
Hannah Pearce were united in the bonds of matrimony 
by the Eev. Jeremiah L. Leslie. This was a Christian 
wedding in the true sense of the word ; the husband 
and the wife were both preachers of the gospel of Christ 
and earnest laborers in the Saviour's vineyard, and the 
occasion was one of religious interest, and not of 
worldly parade. From Mr. Eeeves' journal, we take 
the following record. 

" This evening the conjugal knot was tied. It was a 
solemn time, I believe, to us all. Brother Marshall 
sang an appropriate hymn, and offered up an extempore 
prayer. May this be a foretaste of the marriage supper 
of the Lamb ! After tea I went to the prayer-meeting. 
Hannah would have gone too, had the weather permit- 
ted. I enjoyed the meeting, and so we did generally, I 
believe. This is the manner, I have always said, I 
would like to be married, i. e., without the ordinary 
parade ; and to complete the meeting with prayer, 
socially or public. " i 

Hitherto we have given the incidents of the life of 
Miss Pearce, separate and alone. But now she is the 
wife of the Eev. William Eeeves, it will be impossible 
to separate her life entirely from that of her husband, 
as they labored together in the gospel ministry for about 
thirty-seven years. The husband, in his journal, gives 
an account of the labors of his wife, and in doing this, 
he must necessarily speak of himself and the part he 
took, along with his wife, in all their joint labors, suf- 



MRS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



101 



ferings, and enjoyments. And the reader will please to 
bear in mind, that it is on that journal we have mainly 
to depend for materials, in all yet to be written, of the 
life of Mrs. Hannah Beeves. 

It will be of interest to notice the occurrences in the 
joint labors of Mr. and Mrs. Beeves from the time of 
their marriage until the Annual Conference. And 
here an extract from the Bev. C. Springer's biographi- 
cal sketch will be in place. "They commenced a 
course of united labors which were very profitable to 
the Church in this region. The novelty of a woman in 
the pulpit drew together immense crowds ; and when 
she arose to address the multitude, there was nothing 
in her manner to provoke criticism ; but, on the con- 
trary, it strongly excited the sympathy of the people. 
Her sentiments were good; in her delivery she was 
excellent. Her voice was so clear and impressive that 
but few could withstand the force of her eloquence. A 
gentleman of long standing and usefulness in the 
Church said to me, while writing these pages, that when 
Mrs. Beeves came into this neighborhood, he was 
young and irreligious, and had strong prejudices 
against female preaching. But on hearing her at camp- 
meeting, before she reached the middle of her discourse 
all his prejudices were subdued and gone, and he had 
to surrender himself to Christ. This individual case 
illustrates what transpired under her ministry on an 
extensive scale." 

Let us now follow these co-laborers in their first tour, 
noting such things as may be of interest. Mr. Beeves, 
as a matter of gratitude for favors received, had pro- 
mised Mr. and Mrs. Barker, in McConnellsville, the 
first visit after marriage. Being about to set out for 
that place, he met a Mr. Allen in town, and at his 
request went with him and tarried that night at the 
house of his father-in-law, General Herrick, who, before 
9* 



102 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



his conversion, had been a distinguished lawyer and 
warm politician; but now he was a pattern of piety 
and deep humility. Truly the grace of God can bring 
down the loftiest sinner, and humble the proudest 
heart. In the evening, agreeably to the request of the 
family, we held a prayer-meeting at the domestic altar, 
and found it a profitable season. Perhaps I never 
heard a more humble character in prayer than the 
general. He prayed that his very "tears might be 
washed, and his prayers cleansed." Bless the Lord for 
his promise, that "he that humbleth himself shall be 
exalted." 

"On the 9th of July, the morning was cloudy, but 
there was no rain of any account. The road being 
somewhat rough, we were quite fatigued with our 
journey. Yet we arrived at our destined place in good 
time, and met a cordial reception, as is common, to the 
no small encouragement of us both in traveling. We 
found Mr. Allen an agreeable and profitable companion. 
July 10th. — There were a number of appointments in 
town to-day, but room was immediately made for Han- 
nah — all were anxious to hear her. In the morning we 
attended a class-meeting at Malta; in the evening a 
crowded congregation convened. When Hannah gave 
out her text, I confess that I had fears that she would 
not be able to do it justice ; indeed, I thought that I 
could not, and what we would do in case of a failure I 
did not exactly know. But in this emergency I did not 
forget to ask the Lord to grant assistance in a time of 
need. Surely the Lord listened to our feeble breathings. 
I was disappointed, indeed, but pleasingly so. I had 
no thought that she could have managed the subject as 
she did. It was an affecting time to many. I think 
the sinners present must have trembled, while believers 
were edified. The congregation appeared to be quite 
satisfied, both ministers and laymen, and the public 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



103 



generally, and I had abundant reason to bless the 
Lord. 

"July 12th. — "We went to Brother F. Edwards' to-day, 
and arrived about noon. When dinner was over, 
Sister Edwards sent word around the neighborhood that 
Sister Reeves would preach in the evening at their house. 
For such a busy season, a great congregation attended. 
All seemed to be highly gratified, and I trust profited 
by the word. 

"July 13th. — How thankful ought we to be for the 
friends we meet with! To-day, before we left, Brother 
Edwards inquired if we were in want of any thing now. 
With thankfulness I replied, No, not at present. Again, 
before we took our leave of him, he asked if I had 1 any 
money in my pocket, ' and if Hannah had any. I was 
glad that I could answer in the affirmative." 

Why did not this good brother give a little help to 
those faithful laborers without pressing the question so 
closely home to know if they were entirely out of 
money? Is it so that G-od's ministers are never to 
receive any thing for their labor, until they have reached 
the point of utter destitution ? Eor, mind ye, it takes 
a courageous preacher, with the truth of the case felt 
in his heart, to confess, after much pumping, that he is 
absolutely in a begging condition. Yet Mr. Reeves was 
exceedingly thankful for these empty inquiries, for he 
says, in his record, "May the Lord bless the brother 
and his family, as if we had received it" — the money. 
[Let no man pass himself off as a good supporter of the 
gospel ministry, who would well-nigh swear his preacher 
that he had not one cent in his pocket, before he gives 
him any thing to live on. In the high constitution of the 
kingdom of heaven, it is ordained that "they who preach 
the gospel shall live of the gospel," and "the laborer is 
worthy of his hire;" and his reward should be given 
him without any questions concerning his poverty.] 



104 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



"In the afternoon we rode to Mr. Beeves', where we 
tarried all night. On our way I asked what would be 
the topic of conversation, as I considered it important 
to improve the time in some way. My dear companion 
was not in a frame of mind to enter deeply into the 
subject which I at length proposed, namely, prayer; 
yet she gladly offered some thoughts upon it, and fell 
in with the plan. I am in hopes that we shall have 
many happy and edifjdng seasons together, especially 
should I yet successfully strive for holiness of heart, 
which God grant that I may. 

"July lUh. — We rested a while at father Springer's. 
Hannah expected to preach to-night in Zanesville ; but 
so it was, she did not speak. Brother Marshall, fear- 
ing that the engagement was not obligatory, had omit- 
ted to publish the appointment. Brother W. B. Evans 
preached with great power, and to many, apparently, 
with satisfaction. One young man under conviction 
groaned aloud for redemption. May it end in sound 
conversion to G-od ! An appointment was published 
for my companion the next evening. 

" July loth. — This evening a large concourse of hear- 
ers assembled. Hannah seemed to enjoy good liberty in 
speaking, and the people appeared to receive good. The 
pathetic appeals made to different characters and stages 
of life had a good effect. I can only pray that God may 
fasten those appeals upon the mind, so that they result 
in a genuine conversion. Brother Marshall prayed 
with great fervency, and after dismission, he delivered 
a most pathetic exhortation. One poor penitent soon 
came to the altar. He was in great distress indeed on 
account of his sins. But he did not find liberty or par- 
don that night, many prayers which were offered up 
for him notwithstanding." 

Some refer the withholdment of pardon to the Divine 
Sovereignty. God, they say, being a Sovereign, only 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. 



105 



grants pardon when he pleases. But let us not charge 
God foolishly. The fault is undoubtedly in the sinner 
himself. G-od is always pleased to fulfil his promise. 
When the penitent sinner is exactly in a condition to 
receive pardon, he will get it. "Come unto me, all ye 
that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you 
rest and " Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise 
cast out." When a poor, perishing, penitent sinner 
nurses his unbelief, and does not, or will not, make a 
full surrender, and claim the promises, let him not lay 
the blame of his not being pardoned on the sovereignty 
of God. Some idol which he will own, some secret 
bosom sin, is in the way. But let us look again to the 
journal. 

" July l§th. — We had a large congregation for the 
place to-day at Livingood's. Hannah spoke, I hope, 
to the benefit of precious souls. We had quite a feeling 
time. Leaving an appointment for Monday on our re- 
turn, we hastened on to the place of labor for the Sab- 
bath. Hannah was somewhat fatigued with the toils 
of the journey. 

"July 17th. — This morning Hannah had to resort to 
medical treatment, notwithstanding her appointment 
for the afternoon. I spoke to a good congregation at 
eleven o'clock, and enjoyed pretty good liberty in the 
exercise, although my time for preparation had been 
taken up in a mild argument with a Presbyterian min- 
ister respecting female preaching. We had a pretty 
affecting time in class, but I was too tedious. Yet at 
the close of the exercises, upon an offer for members, 
three came and were received, two as probationers, and 
one into full membership, from the M. E. Church. In 
the afternoon, my dear Hannah preached most affect- 
ingly and powerfully to a numerous and deeply atten- 
tive audience. Surely this seed will not fall by the way- 
side. May fruit an hundred fold be the result of her 



106 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



labors ! Many had gone to a quarterly meeting, yet a 
notice in the papers had brought together an over- 
whelming congregation. After the dismission, I bap- 
tized an elderly woman, who had belonged to the M. E. 
Church for some time, but to day united with us. 

u July l$th. — Considerable amount of rain fell this 
morning, which hindered us. We were rather behind 
time in reaching Norwich, but the people were just 
gathering in. Here we had a good meeting. The Lord 
assisted my partner in speaking in her usual manner 
of appealing to the heart and conscience. I am encour- 
aged to hope that the tears shed in the sanctuary will 
cause fruit to spring up unto eternal life. My clear 
Hannah was much fatigued after the service, but she 
revived somewhat before we left the house, and still 
more before we reached our destined place. Here, July 
19th, a large congregation convened. But Satan severely 
tried my beloved colleague. I was not aware of her 
conflict with the enemy till we were on the way to the 
meeting, about a quarter of a mile distant ; and then 
the matter of the temptation was not made known to 
me. I conjectured that it was only an ordinary diffi- 
dence, more sensibly felt now than at other times. 
Hence I endeavored to build her up in hope of a pre- 
cious time in prayer. Had it been practicable, I would 
have proposed then to retire into the grove, to spread 
the matter before the Lord, before entering the house, 
but it was not. Notwithstanding, if I had known the 
true nature of her mental conflict, I would have been 
satisfied with nothing less than fervent prayer that G-od 
would bruise Satan's head under her feet. I found that 
her mind was more locked up than I had apprehended, 
but she broke through somewhat, before the close of 
service. Upon an offer being made, one sister united 
with the Church. 

u Eeturning to father Gittings', I inquired more par- 



MRS. HA XX AH REEVES. 



107 



ticularly into the nature of the temptation that had 
harassed the spirit of my dear companion, and after a 
little reasonable and expected reluctance. I was made 
acquainted with it. Of course every faculty of my 
soul was ready to quash it immediately. Forthwith I 
met with anticipated acquiescence to bruise the ser- 
pent's head that night in prayer. But we lodged at a 
place that afforded no opportunity, so our design was 
frustrated. But while I am writing, my inmost soul 
prays that the old accuser of the brethren may never 
get the upper hand of either my companion or myself. 
I do hope that we shall ever obey the apostolic injunc- 
tion and 'Resist the devil, that he may flee from 
us.' " 

Mysterious as such sore conflicts may appear to some 
people, it is almost invariably the lot of those who have 
attained to any spirit, and eminence, and usefulness in 
the service of the Saviour. In many instances in which 
the enemy has been suffered to come in like a flood, to 
tempt, worry, or destroy the servants of God, not only 
has the blessed Saviour lifted up a standard against 
him, and foiled all his designs and efforts, but these 
terrible attacks have also proved, in the sequel, to be 
baptisms of sufferings with the son. of God, and as pre- 
cursors of pre-eminent usefulness. So, to some extent, 
was it found to be in the life and labors of Mrs. Hannah 
Reeves. 

"July 20th. — We had a showery morning, so we did 
not tarry by the way, as we thought to have done, but 
continued on to the next appointment. I can not 
boast of a large congregation at Mr. Boss's ; still I am 
induced to believe that good is yet to be done, even 
here. This seemed to be the opiDion of my companion, 
although she did not, apparently, enjoy so much of the 
presence of the Lord, in preaching, as at some other 
places. May the Master direct us how to proceed — 



108 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



whether to abandon this as a preaching place, or con- 
tinue it. We purpose to do right. 

"July 21st. — This day, considering the busy season 
and the condition of the wheat, perhaps nothing but 
novelty would have drawn together so large a congre- 
gation. By request Hannah preached a funeral ser- 
mon. But through the noise of children and other 
hindrances, she did not enjoy the services as undoubt- 
edly she otherwise would have done. In the concluding 
prayer by her husband, the sinner was again brought 
prominently into view before the Lord. To live in sin 
and die in sin, and be driven away in his wickedness, 
is fearful ! To repent, believe, obey, and be saved, is 
glorious ! 

^July 22d. — At Brother Powelson's we had a good 
time, especially in class-meeting. At the close of the 
service I opened the door of the Church, and three 
persons came forward and were received. This afforded 
no small joy to us all. Shortly after we returned to 
Brother Powelson's, several neighbors and one brother 
came, expecting that the meeting had not yet com- 
menced, as they were mistaken in the hour. Brother 
Powelson suggested the propriety of having another 
service, and after some consultation, another appoint- 
ment for Sister Reeves, at six o'clock, was agreed upon, 
and the neighbors were notified: Hannah had a good 
season, and not her alone. I believe we all found it to 
be a profitable and encouraging time, and I am in hopes 
that the waste and desolate places of Jerusalem here 
will be rebuilt. Praise the Lord for the blessings of 
this day ! One day like this is better than a thousand 
spent in the tumultuous pleasures of this sinful world. 

u July 2M. — My dear companion spoke to a large and 
attentive audience to-day, under a shady bower, at 
Brother McKimmins', and if I may judge from ap- 
pearances in this case, I would infer that not a few felt 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



109 



conviction for sin. As the services was lengthy, I said 
but little after her, but felt much drawn out in fervent 
supplication in behalf of sinners, that they might attend 
to the directions given, and that they may be saved 
from their sins. 

"July 2Uh. — This morning we had to ride some dis- 
tance to the first appointment, and to swim the horses 
by the side of a canoe across Wills' Creek. But we 
arrived in time, and found a large congregation seated 
under the shade of a pleasant grove. Many came from 
a distance, probably influenced by the same spirit which 
has brought many to hear the gospel who otherwise 
w T ould not come. But curiosity has often resulted in 
good ; and indeed to-day the tears, the sobs, the swell- 
ing breasts, with the distressed countenances, bespoke 
the trouble of their minds, on account of conscious 
guilt unremoved and sins unforgiven. All this gave 
reason to hope her labor was not in vain in the Lord. 

u Truly Hannah came pretty close to the heart and 
conscience, as she generally does, and not without suc- 
cess. I believe if we had been in a house of worship, 
and had called up the mourners, a number would have 
come as penitents, and sought salvation. I simply 
made known that the door of the Church was open, if 
any wanted admission. Upon which one woman came 
forward through the crowd, and requested a place 
among us. A number more seemed only to be kept 
back by diffidence, or fear of the cross. Our next ap- 
pointment was at Coshocton. When we arrived, we 
found the court-house crowded with people waiting 
with great anxiety to gratify their curiosity in hearing 
a female preach. And I believe from what I after- 
wards heard, as well as from what I gathered from the 
appearance and conduct of the people, that the congre- 
gation was greatly pleased and edified ; and I hope 
many were permanantly profited by the word of life. 
10 



110 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



"A traveling preacher of the M. E. Church was 
present, who had been a virulent opposer of our cause, 
and repeatedly said he would not be a trumpeter for 
the Radicals. Having an appointment in the evening, 
he frequently alluded to the affecting discourse he had 
heard, with approbation, and at the close of service 
published an appointment for her in their house. I was 
glad to hear of the removal of bigotry and party spirit 
among Christians, as well as the conversion of sinners. 

"July 25th. — When my dear Hannah began to speak 
this morning, I immediately perceived that the fatigue 
of the preceding day, though not felt by her at the 
time, was rather of an alarming character. Her strength 
was much impaired, so that she was troubled to go 
through with the service. The first appointment 
yesterday being in the open air, and the weather windy, 
too, with a large congregation, it was trying to the 
weakness of a female. I regret that I had encouraged 
her to exert herself for the satisfaction of the people. 
However, toward the close of the service, she appeareC 
to revive a little. I am ready to pray to G-od for par dot 
for my inconsideration, and ask her to forgive me for nrj 
apparent carelessness. I hope to act more discreetly in 
all time to come, and that God will give us both health, 
and strength, and grace, and wisdom to be useful in 
the vineyard of the Lord, while we have the oppor- 
tunity. We dined with a family of English people, and 
I baptized their youngest child. We left town intend- 
ing to go as far as Brother Duling's, a very kind and 
affectionate Christian friend, who rejoiced at the op- 
portunity to entertain us. 

"July 26th. — This morning we set out for Zanesville, 
with my wife's horse quite lame from a kick received 
in Coshocton. We bathed the injured limb before 
starting ; then, again, at Brother Walker's, we dined, 
and gave it another bathing, and so made our point of 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. \\\ 

destination pretty well. I expected that we could have 
the use of Brother Parker's horse, July 27th, for Han- 
nah to fill an appointment in Chandlersville ; but it 
was engaged, and we could not obtain one. Hence I 
had to go by myself, and meet a numerous concourse of 
people for that place, many having come from a dis- 
tance ; and all were much disappointed. I felt very 
reluctant to take Hannah's place, when it appeared 
that, let me say what I would, it would do no good. 
However, I enjoyed the service better than I expected; 
the people were attentive, and perhaps measurably 
satisfied. It was some relief to me to hear afterwards 
that several persons of different denominations were 
pleased with the discourse, and that an openly professed 
deist (a number of that class being present) spoke in 
terms of approbation of it. This disappointment may 
probably be overruled for good. I was encouraged to 
hope so from two considerations : First, I would not 
have had the opportunity of addressing such a congre- 
gation had not the appointment been published for 
Mrs. Reeves. Secondly, Had she filled the appoint- 
ment herself, the very heavy rain that fell again that 
evening swelled the creek so that it was impassable, 
and there was no craft to cross it. Her appointments 
for Saturday and Sunday in Newark, had been pub- 
lished in the public papers some time, so that the dis- 
appointment there would have far exceeded the disap- 
pointment in Chandlersville." 

Here there was a little interruption in this bridal tour 
of preaching. Mrs. Reeves proceeded to Newark, to 
fill her engagements there, and Mr. Reeves took his 
own plan and filled his list of appointments, meeting 
every where with large and disappointed audiences, 
because his wife was not present to speak to the people. 
How Mr. Reeves' mind was exercised in her absence, 
may be seen in the following extract from his diary : 



112 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



" August 2d. — This night, as well as the night before, 
I was somewhat insomnious, to which infirmity I am 
not subject. I had many anxious thoughts about my 
dear partner, as if all were not well with her. Surely 
nothing has befallen her. Oh ! what would become of 
me, if she were so soon and suddenly snatched from me ? 
I would not indulge a thought like this for a moment, 
for I believe that God has not sent her into the wilder- 
ness there to die so soon ; but he intends her to be use- 
ful, in the Saviour's name, to many precious souls. May 
my Heavenly Father forgive every distrustful thought 
for a moment indulged, and may I ever trust myself and 
my all in his hands ! For I know that he is too good 
to be unkind, and too wise to err. O my G-od ! I leave 
Hannah with thee, hoping that we shall soon enjoy 
mutual blessings from thy hands. But I am sorry to 
say, that unless a different stage of grace characterizes 
my heart, when we meet again, than what I now pos- 
sess, I shall not be very profitable to her, in religious 
and experimental achievements. How very far am I 
from what I ought to be ! And is it so that I shall 
never enjoy those higher degrees of grace that many 
have enjoyed, and do enjoy ? Shall I always be found 
among the weak and sickly of the flock ? O for that 
grace which sanctifies the heart and fills the soul with 
every blessing of the new covenant ! 

Mr. Reeves, at this time, was comparatively young 
and inexperiened in the regular warfare. How he 
learned to endure privations and hardships, as a good 
soldier of Christ, let his subsequent and constant ser- 
vice in the Christian ministry testify, and may he finish 
his course with joy. "In the evening of August the 
6th, I met my beloved consort at the residence of 
Brother Hoskins. According to promise, a good 
brother, Davis, had escorted her thither. And O how 
good has the Lord been in this interval of absence since 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



113 



I left her ! Instead of some calamity befalling her, as 
I, in some of my insomnious moments, apprehended 
would be the case, see how gracious G-od has been, not 
only in her preservation, but in making her useful.. 
They had, I learn, a very gracious meeting — one sig- 
nally owned and blessed by the Lord. Such an encour- 
aging account of the goodness of God I have not heard 
for a long time. It appears they had quite a pentecostal 
season. In the language of one who sent me a few 
lines by her, after speaking of awakenings and the con- 
version of sinners through her instrumentality, he says : 
'Her labors never will be forgotten, in time nor in 
eternity. ' The praise, O Lord, is thine. How thankful 
ought I to be to the God of all our mercies ! I am much 
in arrears of gratitude to the good Lord, who is so unex- 
pectedly kind and gracious, as w r ell as merciful to me ! 
How can I ever distrust him any more ! Ah ! this evil 
heart will again betray me, if I am not watchful and 
prayerful." 



10* 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



CHAPTER X. 



Mrs. Reeves in Newark — Schmucker's notice of preaching — Pro- 
fessor Brownson invites her to Mount Vernon — Springer's ac- 
count of her visit — She is favorably noticed in the Zanesville 
Times — The extent of her travels and lahors — Slender sup- 
port — She preaches in a grove— Prospects in Newark— In Nor- 
wich—In Cambridge— The husband not desired when the 
wife is present— At Poulson's— Mrs. Reeves sick — Prejudice 
removed— Good done in sundry places— Distressing tempta- 
tions—Crowds attend— The house too small, yet good was 
done. 

nnHE following beautiful description of the meeting 



1 in Newark, above alluded to, is from the pen of 
Mr. Isaac Schmucker, and was at the time extensively 
copied, both by the secular and religious press. It is 
transcribed now from the Methodist Protestant published 
in Baltimore, and by that paper was taken from the 
Mount Vernon Gazette, Ohio, October, 1831. "We omit 
several paragraphs in the beginning of the article, as 
they are devoted to a description of the writer's journey- 
ings from the romantic and now historical Valley of the 
Shenandoah, in Virginia. The writer says : 

"Passing over many incidents that occurred on my 
journey, I arrived at length in the "Western country, 
and after having traveled several years in the South 
and West, I alighted from the stage coach in the eve- 
ning of a beautiful day in June, 18 — , at an inn in the 
interior of Ohio. Being pleased with the manners and 
customs of the people, as with the appearance of the 
village, it being pleasantly situated on the banks of the 
Ohio canal, I concluded to settled myself there perma- 
nently, to prosecute the business of my profession. 
"Some time after my location, I learned that a two 




MBS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



115 



days' meeting was to be held in the village, at which a 
female was to officiate as preacher. Notwithstanding 
my prejudice against females appearing before the pub- 
lic as teachers, and assuming the responsibilities at- 
tached to the sacred office of ministers of the Most 
High, I concluded to give her a hearing, at all events. 
The period at length arrived, and the citizens of the 
county were rapidly crowding into the village to the 
meeting, which was held in a large unfinished building, 
being the only convenient place the infant branch of 
the Christian Church which held the meeting could 
procure. At a very early hour on the Sabbath, I fell in 
with the crowd, and went to the place of worship, which 
was large and tolerably commodious, and the seats were 
well arranged, of which there were sufficient to accom- 
modate near a thousand persons. 

"A female occupying the sacred desk was, as I under- 
stood from the villagers, a novel occurrence in these re- 
gions ; and as the people in the country generally had 
been apprised of her appointment, they came in great 
numbers, so that before the hour of preaching arrived, 
the house was crowded to overflowing. The # services 
were commenced by singing a hymn, in which devo- 
tional exercise a large proportion of the audience joined ; 
this was followed by an appropriate and impressive 
prayer. At length the female arose, evidently without 
the least embarrassment, and introduced herself to the 
congregation by a few brief remarks. She was appar- 
ently about twenty-five years of age, of a free, open, 
and pleasant countenance, and decently clad in the plain 
attire of the humble Quaker. There was nothing re- 
markable in her physiognomy, but Lava ter would doubt- 
less have discovered intelligence, penetration, and dis- 
cernment. Apparently every eye in that vast assem- 
bly was fixed upon her when she read her text, which 
was the address of Moses to his father-in-law, as re- 



116 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



corded in Numbers x. 29, c We are journeying unto the 
place of which the Lord said, I will give it you : come 
thou with us, and we will do thee good, for the Lord 
hath spoken good concerning Israel. ' She commenced 
by giving us a comprehensive history of the children of 
Israel, their journeyings through the wilderness to the 
land of Canaan, and the miraculous interposition of 
Providence in their behalf. She then expounded the 
text in reference to the celestial Canaan, and gave a 
glowing description of the joys of the heavenly world, 
and concluded with a pathetic appeal to the congrega- 
tion, embellished with the most beautiful metaphors. 
She manifested an unusual degree of zeal. Her voice 
was strong and clear, her manner easy and agreeable, 
her language chaste and eloquent, and her gestures few 
and unstudied. After the sermon, it was announced 
that the meeting would close on the day following ; and 
being delighted with the female preacher, I again re- 
paired to the house of worship, where I heard an excel- 
lent discourse from the parable of the Prodigal Son, de- 
livered by the preacher who had conducted the meeting ; 
and an affecting exhortation from the female, during 
which time few, I opine, in that solemn assembly of 
the sons of folly but resolved, with the prodigal, to re- 
turn to their Father's house. The parting scene was the 
most affecting and interesting that I have ever witnessed, 
and the remembrance thereof has cheered me in my 
melancholy hours, while descending the way ward stream 
of time, given a zest to my enjoyments, and will, per- 
chance, add to the brilliancy of the ra} r s of my descend- 
ing sun. 

"In making inquiries respecting the interesting 
stranger, I learnt that she had but recently arrived on 
the continent of America, and that her husband was 
jointly engaged with her in teaching the way of salva- 
tion to the sons and daughters of our common parents 



MRS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



117 



scattered over the wilds and prairies of the West. Dur - 
mg my journeyings, I have witnessed many displays of 
talent and eloquence in the pulpit, but never heard a 
sermon which left such an impression on my mind 
as that delivered by Mrs. Reeves." 

It may be of interest to add a little more testimony 
in proof of the great value of Mrs. Reeves' labors in 
Newark. The Rev. C. Springer, in his biographical 
notice of this Christian lady, says: "Soon after her 
marriage, she assisted the Rev. William B. Evans in 
holding a meeting in ^Newark, which was remarkable 
for the good influence it produced. One poor, bed-ridden 
invalid on his own entreaties, was taken to the meeting 
on his couch, received the blessing of the Lord, and re- 
turned home rejoicing. This is the meeting that Mr. 
Isaac Schmucker noticed so favorably through the 
papers as to make a very strong impression in its favor. 
And these public notices of her labors were probably 
what induced Professor Brownson, of Mount Vernon, 
Ohio, to invite her, through the press, to preach in the 
Protestant Episcopal church of that place, where she 
preached three sermons. This, however, did not occur 
till some months afterwards. And her labors there, we 
learn from the best authority, were well received and 
highly appreciated. The last sermon, particularly, 
made a profound impression upon that enlightened and 
refined audience. And the Professor observed after- 
wards to Mr. Reeves, that that sermon, doubtless, 
would never be forgotten by the people. The folio wing- 
is the text chosen by her on that occasion : c Only let 
your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ : 
that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I 
may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, 
with one mind striving together for the faith of the 
gospel.' Phil i. 27." 

This Mr. Schmucker, who bears so favorable a testi- 



118 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



mony to Mrs. Beeves' preaching abilities in the article 
introduced, is a close, philosophical thinker, and a fine 
writer. He often wrote for the columns of the Western 
Becorder, and is still using his vigorous pen, as appears 
from the Newark American. He has recently furnished 
a long series of interesting articles for that paper, under 
the caption of "Pioneer Papers." In this series he 
adopts the biographical notice of Mrs. Reeves, with 
some slight alterations and interesting additions, and 
heads the articles thus: "Pioneer Papers, 2s o. 38. 
Biographical Sketch of Bev. Mrs. Beeves, a Pioneer 
preacher of Licking county, by the Bev. C. Springer." 

Touching that remarkable meeting in ]STewark, after 
the lapse of nearly four decades, he speaks thus : "This 
meeting was noticed favorably in an article published in 
a paper in Mount Vernon, and which was extensively 
republished in Ohio and other States. It was written 
by a then young man — a young man, however, who 
has, during these thirty-nine years that have passed 
away since that event, grown into one of Licking 
county's pioneers. She preached the sermon above 
mentioned in a half-finished warehouse. She had a 
very large audience — the novelty of a lady in the pulpit 
probably attracting some of them. She afterwards 
preached a number of sermons in different sections of 
Licking county, and is kindly remembered by some of 
the older settlers as one who, in their youthful years, 
greatly delighted and instructed them by her ministe- 
rial labors. Her recent death has elicited recollections 
of the most agreeable character as connected with her 
early time ministry here, in the minds of those who 
were witnesses of her persuasive eloquence." 

The editor of the Times in Zanesville, in a few words 
gives a favorable notice of Mrs. Beeves. After publish- 
ing the Bev. C. Springer's biographical sketch, he 
says : "Prom the pen of Bev. C. Springer, of Meadow 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. 



119 



Farm, we learn that Mrs. Keeves was a noted and 
zealous worker in the Methodist Protestant Church. 
She preached in Zanesville, in 1831. The story of, her 
life, as told by Mr. Springer, is an interesting one, con- 
taining enough of the romantic to satisfy any reader." 

It may be further added here, that at the two days' 
meeting in Newark, Mrs. Eeeves preached three times, 
once on Saturday, and twice on Sunday. The sermon 
delivered on Sunday morning, called forth the fore- 
going notice ; the other, in the evening, was also greatly 
blessed to the edification of the people. 

Thus have we followed these co-laborers through the 
greater part of their bridal tour around the circuit. 
And see what a scope of country they traveled through, 
and the amount of labor performed by the subject of 
this sketch ; these journeyings were chiefly on horse- 
back. Five large counties were penetrated to the cen- 
ter — Morgan, Muskingum, Guernsey, Coshocton and 
Licking, and all this in less than four weeks. All this 
was just after her arrival in this country and in the 
heat of summer, and her physical system undergoing 
acclimation! And this, too, the bridal tour! Has 
there ever been such another bridal tour in the United 
States? Let all the churches answer. Hereafter we 
must conduct the reader over these large circuits by a 
shorter route, and be less minute in detail. 

Some idea of the amount of salary received for such 
constant minis fcerial toil, and the cheerful acquiescence 
therewith, may be collected from the following record : 

"I this day received a piece of good advice from a 
sincere friend, and I acquiesced in his sentiment respect- 
ing my duty to work with my own hands, to maintain 
my so much deserving wife in a respectable and com- 
fortable manner, provided the Church should fail to do 
this m our traveling. Then how astonished was I, 
when I read in a note from the Newark brother, with 



120 



THE LADY PREACHER 



a glowing account of the good meeting, his ability to 
raise the sum of two hundred dollars, in a few hours, 
for us to labor with them next year. The Lord knows 
I have said before him repeatedly that I desire not 
riches, but enough of this world's goods to live honor- 
ably and comfortably; i, e., to pay my debts, and live 
according to the sphere in which it hath pleased him 
to place us. Agur's prayer has been mine, again and 
again : ' Give me neither poverty nor riches ; feed me 
with bread convenient for me.' That is a competency, 
and I hope 4 our Father who is in heaven ' will provide 
for us every requisite blessing. I feel quite resigned 
to labor wherever it may seem best to the Conference, 
which I hope and pray may be directed by the unerring 
Spirit of the Great Head of the Church. 

" On our return to the circuit proper, Mrs. Reeves 
preached at Bethlehem meeting-house, August 2d, and 
on the 5th at Lot Davis'; then on Sunday, the 7th, 
she preached to a very large congregation assembled 
under a pleasant shade, where the quarterly meeting 
was held, and all due attention appeared to be given to 
the discourse, which was delivered in much bodily 
weakness. I hope it may be attended by the power of 

God, who alone giveth the increase. Father T 

exhorted after her, and I prayed. In the afternoon, at 
Brother Lewis', the house being too small, the congre- 
gation repaired to the barn, where every available place 
was occupied, and great attention was given to the 
word. I ascertained, when the meeting was over, that 
the people were much pleased and edified, and it was 
said that the next time she came the congregation 
would be still larger. I may say for myself, all the cir- 
cumstances being considered, I was pleasingly disap- 
pointed; and I thank God for his blessings, which have 
been so freely and seasonably bestowed upon my dear 
companion and true yoke-fellow in the gospel. I wanted 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



121 



to take one appointment to-day, but it appeared im- 
practicable ; the people would not permit it. 

u August 9th. — We had fine weather to-day to get to 
the appointment, and we had a large congregation, 
both of men and women, notwithstanding the advice 
of their pastor ' for the men to stay at home and make 
hay. ' This was an occasional appointment, by request 
of our brethren. And the people appeared to be much 
engaged, as well as very attentive. It was a precious 
season, I believe, to many. Hannah seemed to be 
much blessed in speaking, and the people in hearing. 

" August 10th — At Chandler sville, we occupied a 
chapel belonging to the Seceders. A numerous congre- 
gation attended. The house was unfinished, and in 
the old style — a very hard place to preach in. The 
Lord, however, assisted his handmaid in delivering an 
interesting discourse, which appeared to meet with 
public approbation, and I trust that G-od made it a 
blessing to the people. 

" August 12th. — In Zanesville, I received another letter 

from Brother H in Newark. He states that at 

least twenty persons were under conviction, and most 
of them date their concern of mind from the preaching 
of my dear wife, and pleaded hard for Hannah to come 
and tarry with them till the camp-meeting, which cir- 
cumstances forbid. I am rejoiced in spirit to hear of the 
success of the cause of Christ in Newark, and pray 
that grace, mercy, and peace from the Lord Jesus 
Christ may be with them." 

Again we quote from Mr. Reeves' diary, as it is the 
main source of our information. 

"August 13th. — We had another good meeting at 
Livingood's. After service we went to Norwich, where 
we were visited by several of the brethren and friends, 
who intend to join our Church on Monday next. This 
was unexpected encouragement. Mrs. Reeves and I 
11 



122 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



had each of us spoken there but once, and I did not 
think of a society so soon. But when the people come 
and knock, the door must be opened. How can a 
preacher say, ' stand back, 5 to a people pressing into the 
kingdom of God with much earnestness of soul ? 

" August 14th. — In Cambridge, this morning, I had a 
crowded congregation, more than could get into the 
house, and all very attentive to the word, notwith- 
standing the heat of the day. In the afternoon, a nume- 
rous assembly of people met to hear Mrs. Eeeves. She 
was weak in body, but strong in spirit, and spoke with 
more ease and greater energy than either of us expected. 
There was not, however, that apparent effect in the 
congregation which we always desire to see ; yet a few 
tears gave evidence of feeling, by stealing away in 
silence. This place, by some means, had got the repu- 
tation of being 1 gospel hardened but it is due to them 
to say, that whether they deserve that appellation or 
not, few places are noted for better attention and good 
behavior. 

" August 16th. — My dear companion was quite unfit 
for the labors of this day. How gladly would I have 
taken the burden from her shoulders, but did not dare 
to do it, as nothing would satisfy the congregation but 
' the woman.' All I could do was to pray G-od to 
strengthen her for the service, and make her a bless- 
ing to the people. Through weakness, I presume, she 
did not feel that engageclness of spirit she was wont to 
feel, or if she did, it was not so manifest as usual. May 
it please God to give us both health and strength of 
body and mind to fit us for extensive usefulness in his 
vineyard! Christ Jesus came into the world to save 
sinners ; and the true spirit and aim of a Christian 
minister is to be like his Master, in doing all he can to 
save sinners. How can true ministers be happy, if sin- 
ners are not saved ? A 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



123 



u August IWi. — I deeply regret our detention to-day 
at the place where we tarried the night before, when 
the largest congregation that had ever assembled at 
Brother Poulson's waited several hours for us till the 
patience of some was exhausted, and they returned to 
their homes. jSTevertheless, there were few but had 
the privilege of hearing Mrs. Reeves — a novelty which 
drew many out who probably would not otherwise have 
attended. There is, however, now, a good work of 
grace among the people, and two more persons joined 
the society. "We had a weeping time again in class. 

u August 20th. — To-day my dear wife was very unwell. 
"While sympathizing with her in her affliction, I could 
scarcely suppress the involuntary tear of concern. I 
hope I shall never more have so much reason for it. I 
was not well qualified for the service, but of course it 
fell upon me. The house was filled with women, and a 
large company of men, notwithstanding the rain, stood 
on the outside. I was not in a condition to enjoy the 
services on that occasion. 

" August 21st. — I was surprised to find that Hannah ' 
had recovered strength to labor as she did. It was a 
good meeting, I trust, to all, especially to one dear 
brother who was just recovering from a severe spell of 
sickness, and would venture out to the meeting. At 
the close of the service I baptized three more children. 
On the 24th, a numerous congregation listened atten- 
tively to an affectionate and edifying discourse, which 
will certainly not fall to the ground. From what I 
heard afterwards, the people were much pleased, and 
desired our return. Deeply rooted prejudice is hard to 
remove. All the means of its removal may not be 
fully known to any of us. Yet one of the ways of ban- 
ishing denominational prejudice is this new prodigy of 
female preaching. This seems to be the opinion of 



124 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



many. It is my own opinion, founded on experience 
and observation. 

" August 25th. — On the way to our appointment 
yesterday, my dear companion was sorely tempted. 
Here the old father of lies appeared in his true charac- 
ter, as the meeting proved to be so contrary to his vile 
suggestions. This day, on our way, neither of us an- 
ticipated much of a meeting ; but, unexpectedly, the 
Lord blessed not the speaker only, but many of the 
hearers also, and myself among the number, and I 
have reason to believe that poor sinners will be last- 
ingly benefited. On the day following, we had consid- 
erable difficulty in getting to our appointment, in con- 
sequence of extremely bad roads; but we had a fair 
congregation for the place, and a good meeting. The 
wheels of the cars, however, did not appear to run so 
light and easy as they did the day before, or as they 
often do ; yet our labor is with the Lord, and we pray 
that his blessing may attend the word. Then on the 
27th we had a crowded house at Brother Sears'; and 
my true yoke-fellow experienced greater liberty in 
speaking to the people than either of us expected ; still, 
I did believe that the Lord would assist her. She after- 
wards expressed to me her astonishment at the inter- 
position of her gracious Saviour, in leading her into 
such an appropriate train of thought, and into the 
expression of such important sentiments, which, it is 
hoped, will result in great benefit to the people. We 
had a good class-meeting — a joyful time. 

" August 2§th. — Early this morning I awoke to learn 
an unexpected lesson of human weakness, or rather of 
Satan's craft, in adapting his temptations to the state 
of bodily debility. I could not forbear mingling my 
tears with those of my wife, that flowed so freely, while 
combating the devil in a 1 cloudy and dark day. ' How 
common it is for the old 4 accuser of the brethren ' to 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



125 



bring charges against the successful laborers in the 
vineyard of the Lord, and endeavor to discourage them. 
That is just like him, and affords a strong motive to the 
faithful to persevere. 'Blessed is the man that en- 
dureth temptation ; for when he is tried, he shall re- 
ceive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised 
to them that love him. ' How important it is for all 
Christians, and especially the sons and daughters of 
Levi, to be equally yoked together, in order to stimu- 
late, sympathize with, and encourage each other in 
their respective callings in life ; and especially, by the 
help of God, to assist each other in repelling the fiery 
darts of the wicked one." 

Mr. Beeves' diary goes on to say: "We found a 
numerous concourse of people at the morning appoint- 
ment. I had intended to preach, but in consequence 
of the excitement of the people my dear wife consented 
to officiate. The house would not hold even the females. 
We therefore accepted an invitation to remove to a 
meeting-house belonging to the 'Christian Church.' 
That was also too small : a great many remained on 
the outside of the house, while the inside was crowded 
to excess. The discourse was generally, I believe, well 
received, and a blessing doubtless attended it to the 
souls of the people. It was late before we arrived at 
our afternoon appointment, where we found a large 
congregation waiting for us.. Mrs. Beeves spoke again 
— it was an out-door effort — much to the satisfaction of 
the people. An exhorter, much excited, who had once 
heard the Bev. A. Shinn upon the same text, gave 
Mrs. Beeves the preference. Perhaps his judgment 
was influenced by his feelings, which is no uncommon 
case among hearers. 



11* 



126 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



CHAPTER XI. 

Mrs. Reeves preaches at the laying of the foundation of a new 
meeting-house— 44 Ebenezer"— At Mc Conn ells ville— At Zanes- 
ville — Providential leadings — The three camp-meetings — Mr. 
Reeves spoke unadvisedly with his lips— Hannah labors in 
different places— In feeble health she toils on— The Conference 
in Zanesville— The preachers— Mrs. Reeves' sermon at Con- 
ference — The writer's recollections of it — They visit friends — 
They prepare for their journey to Youngstovm — They go 
preaching all the way— Providential interpositions. 

A SPECIMEN of Mrs. Reeves' aptness in suiting 
subjects to special occasions, occurred on the 
Muskingum, or perhaps that part of it now called Pis- 
gah Circuit. The brethren were about to build a meet- 
ing-house, and proposed to commence on Monday 
morning. Her husband, the superintendent of the 
circuit, was asked to preach standing on the foundation- 
log. But he declined, alleging a want of time to pre- 
pare an appropriate discourse. She listened, and looked 
at him rather reproachingly for refusing, and said : u If 
you can not preach on the occasion, I can ; if you de- 
cline, I accept the invitation." To this he cheerfully 
agreed, and on the morning of August 29th she was 
on hand. A number were, present to witness the dedi- 
cation services, which were intended to be held on the 
foundation-log ; but the industrious anxiety of the 
people had gone ahead, though many of them were un- 
converted. The building had gone up several logs high 
when Mr. Beeves and his lady arrived. One hour was 
then given for the hands to return from the woods, and 
the neighbors to come in. They then fitted up a place 
in a corner of the building for the speaker to stand, and 
the congregation were seated within its walls. This 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



127 



being done, and the preliminary services attended to, 
she read the following appropriate text: "The G-od of 
heaven, he will prosper us : therefore we his servants 
will arise and build." ]!^ehemiah ii. 20. She first gave 
the literal exposition of the passage, then applied it to 
the building just commenced, and closed with a spiritual 
improvement, showing the necessity of building up the 
spiritual house of the Lord. She made some pungent 
appeals to the unconverted, and gave encouragement to 
the Church and the community to work for God. The 
people appeared to be much edified and stimulated to 
prosecute their work. She addressed the workmen 
separately — those engaged in felling trees, others haul- 
ing logs, and those at work on the building, putting up 
the logs, and working on the corners. As the speaker 
had the honor of naming this chapel, she gave it the 
suitable name "Ebenezer." This was the first house 
of worship erected on this circuit. 

" August 30th. — We rode to McConnellsville, and in 
the evening Mrs. Beeves preached to the people. The 
audience was large, respectable, and attentive to the 
word of the Lord, and they appeared to be edified and 
profited by what they heard ; yet, strange to tell, she 
did not enjoy the services herself. The next day we 
passed on to Brother F. Edwards', where we met with 
Brother W. B. Evans, in whose company, September 
1st, we set out for Zanesville, where we arrived in time 
for preaching in the evening. A large and respectable 
audience attentively heard a discourse of much point 
and power, the closing part of which was peculiarly 
appropriate to what was afterwards introduced, namely, 
a notice of the approaching Annual Conference, and 
that proposals might be made by the people to entertain 
the members." As the speaker was not aware of the 
intended notification, it would seem the more certain 
that she was providentially guided in the remarks she 



128 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



made. Often ministers are led by an unseen Hand, in 
a way they did not know, to accomplish, the Lord's de- 
signs. Many times has the writer of this biography 
been strangely led in preaching, while all was dark to 
himself, away beyond his own plans and designs, into 
a train of thought and remark to accomplish something 
for the Lord, and after the work was done, the reason 
of his darkness was fully understood. Such cases are 
quite common among Christian ministers. 

September 2d, Brother Keeves and his lady set out 
for Brother W. B. Evans' camp-meeting with fair pros- 
pects ; but soon a storm came on, which wet them 
thoroughly : so they turned into the first house they 
came to, to dry themselves. At another place, still 
farther on, they sought and obtained physical refresh- 
ment, and aimed to do some good. Mrs. Eeeves fur- 
nished the gentleman of the house with a recipe for a 
complaint which threatened the life of his wife. They 
then proceeded on their journey, which proved to be 
very fatiguing to them both, in consequence of the mud 
and occasional rains, which did but increase their afflic- 
tion, weakness, and weariness. But, although much 
worn down with travel, they held on their way, and 
reached the encampment before dark. The next morn- 
ing, September 3d, the weather was still unfavorable, 
yet they went to the ground, and heard a very feeling 
discourse delivered by Brother W. H. Marshall. In 
the afternoon Mr. Reeves was appointed to preach. He 
plead indisposition of body, but could not induce the 
committee of arrangements to exonerate him. He 
therefore yielded to the decision of his brethren, and 
spoke until his strength was gone — his voice failed, so 
that he could not do his subject justice. At that time 
a wife's sympathy for her husband was deeply moved. 
Mrs. Eeeves would have left the tent, and taken the 
stand to finish his discourse, had it not appeared to her 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. 129 

that the act would be regarded as presumptuous. The 
next day, September 4th, at eleven o'clock, a very large 
congregation crowded together, with eagerness and 
anxiety, to hear what, in that vicinity, was called c 6 the 
modern marvel. " Truly the Lord was with her : people 
and preachers all appeared to be much profited. We 
think this was the meeting where a gentleman, deter- 
mining to have a favorable position to see and hear, 
climbed up into a tree near at hand. She saw him, and 
in the fervor of spirit with which she spoke, she ad- 
dressed himpersonally and said : "Zaccheus make haste 
and come down !" The arrow went to the mark, and 
he was smitten with keen conviction. In the evening, 
after preaching and exhortation, a great many peni- 
tents came to the altar of prayer, and quite a revival 
influence was felt among the people. 

On the 5th of September, Mrs. Reeves spoke again to 
the people, apparently to the satisfaction of all who heard 
her. But her husband was astonished to hear this last 
discourse more highly prized than the one delivered on 
Sunday. Nevertheless, he allowed it to be appropriate, 
and calculated, in a high degree, to benefit mourning 
souls, but in many respects not equal to the Sunday 
sermon. After the sermon came the holy sacrament — 
a precious time indeed — concerning which Mr. Reeves 
makes this note in his diary : ' c Bless the Lord ! I know 
not when I have enjoyed this memorial ordinance so 
well. About two hundred communed, and thirty-two 
joined the society afterwards, and we had a very feeling 
time at parting." Often has it been found at camp- 
meetings that the best of the wine has been kept until 
the last of the feast. At a good camp-meeting of sev- 
eral days' continuance, where pious Christians have 
labored together in holy harmony and fervent zeal for 
their own advancement in the Divine life, and for the 
conversion of sinners, it often occurs that a kind of 



130 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



spiritual, welding heat from heaven, has come upon 
their souls, and they find it hard to part ; yet, when part 
they must, it is with many tears, and with a solemn 
pledge to meet each other in heaven. 

The camp-meeting being over, these toiling pilgrims 
went on to Zanesville for dinner. In the evening they 
had an appointment at Monroe's. This second ride, on 
a strange horse, so much fatigued the lady preacher 
that, after service, she seemed quite worn down. It was 
marvelous how a delicate, slender female could preach 
as she did, and with such general satisfaction to the 
people. From this point, on the 7th of September, they 
rode to Dresden, against noon. The weather being un- 
favorable for traveling that day, at the urgent request 
of the brethren and friends, an appointment was 
hastily got up, and Mrs. Keeves, tired as she was, 
preached to the people. She had a congregation re- 
spectable for size, and a good meeting. 

On the 8th of September, they went on their way to 
Brother R. Richardson's camp-meeting, and came to 
Coshocton about the dinner hour. This was exactly 
suitable for them, for they were hungry. In the even- 
ing, there was an appointment. Mr. Reeves preached, 
and thought that Coshocton might have yielded him a 
larger congregation. It took the lady preacher to draw 
the congregation. This world all over is greatly moved 
by novelty, and Mrs. Reeves used all the novelty of her 
position for the glory of Christ and the good of souls. 

On the 9th of September, they were detained in Cos- 
hocton by rain until after dinner. In the afternoon 
they rode out to the camp-ground. The people being 
busy preparing the ground for the congregation, there 
was no preaching until evening. Then, at the sound 
of the trumpet, the people assembled, but the thunder 
and rain drove them to their tents, where they designed 
holding meeting ; but the preacher could not be heard 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. 



131 



for the storm. They did, however, hold a prayer-meet- 
ing, and had several exhortations. The next morning 
a sermon was preached before they arrived on the 
ground. At eleven o'clock the congregation heard a 
very pathetic discourse by Brother Marshall. At three 
o'clock an appointment was given to Mrs. Keeves to 
preach, but she was deprived of the opportunity by the 
rain. In the evening Brother Evans preached, and 
there was considerable excitement apparent, when the 
preachers could get a chance to labor among the people. 
On the 11th of September Brother C. Springer preached 
at nine o'clock, A. M., and Mrs. Beeves at eleven, her 
husband at four, and Brother Marshall at night. This 
was a busy day, and much good fruit was the result. 
On returning to their quarters, some distance from the 
encampment, after the services at night, Mr. Reeves 
and his lady got lost in the woods, and came near re- 
maining out all night. 

September 12th, Brother Springer preached in the 
morning. Then came the holy sacrament; it was a 
memorable time — a melting, refreshing season. God 
had given rain from the clouds, but he did not fail to 
give his children showers of blessings from heaven. At 
the close of the communion twenty-four persons united 
with the Church. Last of all, came the final, affecting 
farewell — always at camp-meeting found to be a tender 
time. 

Mr. Reeves, in his diary, makes this record concerning 
himself: "September IMi. — At Brother Richardson's, 
I spoke awhile from the last verse in the Bible. It was 
with difficulty that I could proceed after reading the 
text. Tears evidenced the feeling of the heart. I do 
not know that I ever felt so much before, in speaking 
from any text." Two things may have opened our 
brother's fountain of tears. First, The text itself— it 
contained the Saviour's blessing, at the final close of 



132 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



the Book of grace. Second, He had just come from the 
camp-meeting, and had brought with him a very 
tender class of feelings, produced by communion with 
G-od and his brethren in the woods, on that holy and 
memorable occasion. In the evening, Mrs. Eeeves 
addressed a large congregation, with hope, at the time, 
that her labor would not be in vain in the Lord. It 
was not in her nature to sow the good seed of the king- 
dom with a despairing heart. She always hoped for 
good results. 

After attending several appointments by the way, we 
find these co-laborers, on the 16th of September, at 
another camp-meeting. The weather was fine for the 
occasion. Several sermons were preached, but nothing 
special occurred. On the 18th, the congregations were 
large, especially at eleven o'clock, when Mrs. Eeeves 
spoke. This was a precious meeting. Yet she was so 
feeble as to need assistance in ascending the stand. It 
seemed strange that such a feeble, trembling woman, 
could so speak as to throw her voice over that large 
audience, and be distinctly heard to the outskirts of the 
multitude. But strength was given her from heaven, 
and the word spoken came with the power of the Spirit 
of G-od, and it had its effect upon the people. Without 
noting particulars, it may be stated that on the morning 
of the 19th the meeting closed in the usual manner — 
farewell and tears went together. 

Passing over several matters of minor consideration, 
we find this laborious Christian worker, in great bodily 
weakness during the two following days, addressing two 
different congregations, each of them large, in her usual 
energetic manner, and on the 21st of September, quite 
unwell. The following record is found in her husband's 
diary: 

" This night the symptoms of declining health, m 
my dear companion, were manifested so clearly that 



MRS. HA NN AH REEVES. 



133 



it called forth a copious flow of tears. And not being 
prepared for a trial so great, I could not suffer my eyes 
to sleep, until I implored a providential interposition to 
rebuke the malady, arrest the threatened dissolution, 
and prolong her days at least fifteen years — not, how- 
ever, for my sake only, but for the benefit of the Church. 
I was led to plead like one of old : ; O, my God. take 
her not away in the midst of her days : thy years are 
throughout all generations.' I was quite alarmed, and 
the comfort of the meeting to me was but little, when I 
discovered the difficulty of my partner in speaking. 
Surely there must be alteration soon. : " 

Mrs. Eeeves, in some measure, recovered, in an- 
swer to her husband's prayers,* and, by the blessing 
of God, was about to enter on itinerant toils again, 
when a painful occurrence took place, which I shall 
extract from Mr. Eeeves- diary. It speaks well for his 
character as a man of veracity, for he records his own 
indiscretions and failings. 

" Sept. 2M. — It is with no small degree of heartfelt 
sorrow that I record a painful occurrence, which I did 
hope never would have taken place. In arranging a 
plan of appointments previously agreed upon, unmind- 
ful of her physical and nervous debility, I spoke unad- 
visedly with my lips, and uttered one word which 
greatly afflicted my beloved Hannah. It was most 
keenly felt, and my sorrow is deep. May it prove a 
lesson to me during life l" 

This unguarded word, whatever it was, produced no 
alienation of feeling between the parties. Mr. Eeeves 
was sorry, and his wife forgave him. and so. as true 
yoke-fellows, on they went to the work of the Lord. 

Mr. Eeeves left his wife at Brother Parish's for a day 
or two, she being too unwell to travel. But on the 
lnorning of the 25th, she was enabled to preach to a 
numerous congregation in the open air, and there was 
12 



134 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



reason to believe that God's blessing rendered the word 
profitable to many souls. That same afternoon an un- 
usually large congregation assembled at Lewis' to hear 
Mrs. Reeves. They could only be accommodated under 
a shady grove. But the lady was feeble, and her hus- 
band had to preach. After preaching a fc Chandlers ville 
to a goodly number who had assembled, they were 
agreeably entertained by an aged physician, who was 
said to be a little deistical in his sentiments, and they 
greatly desired that he should derive some spiritual ad- 
vantage from their visit. Before leaving the place, on 
the morning of the 29th, they visited a sick woman, who 
had repeatedly requested it, and found her in a very 
ignorant state. Mrs. Reeves talked with her for a con- 
siderable time, and it was found that the conversation 
had quite a visible effect upon her aged husband, and 
several other persons who had collected to witness the 
scene and to hear what the female preacher would say 
to the afflicted woman. Several of them, as well as the 
old lady who was sick, earnestly requested a short ser- 
mon or exhortation. After singing a hymn, Mrs. Reeves 
prayed fervently for the sick woman and all present, and 
they had an affecting time. On their way to Zanesville, 
they dined with a Baptist brother, a man of truly 
Christian spirit. Before they went on their way, a fare- 
well hymn was surig, prayer was offered up to God for 
that family by Mrs. Reeves, and in parting they had a 
feeling, refreshing time — a time of tears and joy. On 
the first day of October, Hannah spoke for the last 
time at Livingood's. Then they rode on to Cambridge, 
where, by request, Mrs. Reeves, on the 2d of October, 
preached at the funeral of a child. There was a large 
congregation, and a tender, feeling season. The labors 
of the Conference year were ended on the 3d of October, 
in Norwich, by a sermon from Mrs. Reeves, and exhor- 
tation by Brother Collins. They had a good meeting — 



MRS. HA NN AH REEVES. 



135 



a joyful time, in closing up the itinerant toils of the 
year — and then passed on to Zanesville, to attend the 
Annual Conference. 

According to appointment, the Ohio Annual Confer- 
ence of the Methodist Protestant Church commenced 
its session in Zanesville, Ohio, on the 4th day of Octo- 
ber, 1831, and was opened in the manner prescribed in 
the discipline of the Church. Mr. Reeves and lady 
were appointed, with our excellent brother, Kev. A. 
Shinn, and his delegate, from Cincinnati, to lodge at the 
house of a respectable Presbyterian gentleman in Put- 
nam. This arrangement was very gratifying to them, 
as it opened the way for an acquaintance with Mr. 
Shinn, a great and good man, one of Christ's most able 
ministers. I will here give Mr. Peeves' own account 
of this Conference, taken from his diary : 

u We heard this evening, October 5th, a super-excel- 
lent sermon by our beloved Brother Shinn. 6th— ^Brother 
Dobbins preached, and Brother Shackelford delivered 
a good exhortation. Itli. — Heard our good Brother 
Avery preach for the Presbyterians. 8th. — Brother Shinn 
gave us the outlines of another excellent sermon ; but 
a severe cold prevented him from amplifying his sub- 
ject. Qth. — Had a good love-feast in the morning. At 
eleven o'clock, Brother X. Snethen preached an ordina- 
tion sermon. He made some very useful and instruc- 
tive remarks to ministers, especially to young preachers, 
interspersing portions adapted to every class. The dis- 
course was well received. By the way, what a mighty 
man is Rev. Nicholas Snethen ! He apparently posses- 
ses a vast amount of knowledge, worth}' of the cogno- 
men — 4 a walking encyclopaedia. ' Asa Shinn and Nich- 
olas Snethen are two of the most dignified looking men 
my e3 r es ever beheld — noble specimens of the genus 
homo — nature's true noblemen. Either of them would 
grace the palace of the Archbishop of Canterbury. In- 



136 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



deed, this Annual Conference, seems to me to embody 
c talent enough to govern the nation.' 

" But I return from this digression. In the afternoon 
I heard an able sermon by Brother George Brown, and 
an excellent discourse at night by Brother M. M. 
Henkle. 10th. — This evening the curiosity of many 
was gratified by hearing Mrs. Reeves. She consented 
to speak, but not without entreaty and persuasion. 
Considering the intelligence and talent of that Annual 
Conference, of course my anxiety for her success was 
great ; and it perhaps, in part, was spiritual pride in 
me, mingled with a sincere desire that good might be 
done. At all events I deprecated a failure, and I con- 
fess to a wish that she might do her best; but she 
seemed to have no ambition of that character. She felt 
her responsibility too sensibly, and was content to 
deliver quite an ordinary discourse. After speaking to 
believers generally, she addressed herself to the minis- 
ters, and gave them some seasonable advice and exhor- 
tation, which had, apparently, a good effect, and was 
well received. Brother Shinn, who seldom made any 
remarks upon the discourses of his brother ministers, I 
heard, said suggestively, after the service, 'She can 
preach better than that.' " 

It may be allowed in this connection, for me, as the 
writer of this biographical sketch, to state my own re- 
collections of the foregoing occasion. I had been intro- 
duced to Mrs. Reeves soon after the commencement of 
the Conference, and was pleased with her personal 
appearance, her manner, conversation, and intelligence. 
Her language was more American than English ; most 
of the peculiarities of old England had passed away 
from her speech, which I thought quite an advantage 
to her as a public speaker. I knew that the members 
of the Conference generally were very anxious, indeed, 
to hear her preach, and none more so than myself. 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. I37 

But I was afraid that she would not have courage equal 
to the occasion, and that if she did undertake it, she 
would fail in the attempt before such a talented audi- 
ence. When I saw her ascend the pulpit, one-half 
of my fears were gone. jSTow, I said to myself, she is 
going to try, but will she succeed ? Here the other half 
of my fears became intensified ; my solicitude became 
very great. When this calm, self-possessed lady arose 
to read her hymn, I felt some relief. Her voice was 
not masculine, nor delicately feminine. It sounded out 
without a quiver, full, round, and clear, and filled the 
house with its fine, mellow tones. Then came the 
prayer ; it was a long prayer ; it was a solemn season 
of pleading with God for a blessing on the Conference, 
the congregation in general, and poor perishing sinners 
in particular. Last of all, she prayed for herself, that 
the Holy Spirit might help her, a poor, feeble female, 
to stand up before that congregation and declare the 
whole counsel of God. " Help, Lord ! O, help thy hand- 
maiden once more !" So that remarkable prayer closed. 
Such a prayer, so full of piety and good sense, removed 
all my fears, and prepared me to hear the sermon, which 
was good, indeed, not for its splendor and show, but 
for its holy unction and usefulness. It left that congre- 
gation deeply moved with religious feeling, and from 
many of the preachers and others, all over the house, 
the responsive, hearty "Amen!" was heard. I noticed 
that, in her preaching, she did not overstrain her voice. 
The little action that she had was natural, graceful, 
and becoming. She left the truth to speak for itself, 
without the aid of artistic gesticulation. 

It may be proper here to state that the Conference 
officially paid due respect to Mrs. Reeves, by appoint- 
ing a committee to wait on her, and ascertain her 
wishes in relation to her connection with the itinerancy, 
whether she desired to be considered effective, and take 
12* 



138 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



an appointment, or not. The committee consisted, if I 
mistake not, of the Revs. A. Shinn, C. Springer, and 
1ST. Snethen. Accordingly they waited on her, and 
made the requisite inquiries. She thanked them and 
the Conference for this mark of respect and courtesy, 
and with a playful smile replied, declining the kind 
proposal. She said her circumstances were changed — ■ 
she now filled a different relation. For the simple pur- 
pose of illustration, she said: "You might appoint me 
to Cincinnati, and Mr. Reeves to Pittsburg, and you 
know, sirs, that would never do. All I desire is the 
concurrence of the Conference for me to labor and do 
all the good I can in connection with my husband." 
Pleased with this reply, Brother Springer smiled, and 
said to Brother Shinn : 1 1 Did not I tell you that she 
was a woman of too much good sense to accept such a 
proposition ?" 

On the 11th day of October the Conference closed in 
peace and harmony. In Mr. Reeves' diary the follow- 
ing record is made : "Much pleased with our appoint- 
ment ; hope and pray that God may strengthen us in 
body and mind, anoint us with the unction of the Holy 
Spirit, that we may be successful in winning many 
souls to Christ." After preaching in the academy in 
Putnam, at the request of the members of other 
churches, where this lady preacher gave good satisfac- 
tion, according to promise she and her husband at- 
tended a two days' meeting at the Rev. C. Springer's. 
At twelve o'clock, the Rev. 3ST. Snethen preached. It 
being a busy season of the year, the congregation was 
not very large. Had not business hindered, surely more 
people would have been present to hear the great and 
good Snethen. In the evening, Mrs. Reeves preached, 
seemingly to the satisfaction of the people, and Mr. 
Snethen exhorted after her, in a very interesting man- 
ner. On the morning of the 16th, they had a most 



MRS. HA XX AH REEVES. 



139 



refreshing love-feast. At eleven o'clock, a large con- 
course of people assembled to hear Mrs. Eeeves, all of 
whom appeared to be much gratified. In the afternoon 
they returned to father Springer's, and did not attend 
the closing services, which were said to he the best of 
all. 

To this Christian lady the Eev. C. Springer was in- 
deed kind, for on the 17th. he raised her a private col- 
lection among the friends, and lent her his horse to 
visit Newark. So, taking Clay-Lick in their route, in 
the evening she rilled an appointment, and the services 
seemed to be much enjoyed by the people. They then 
proceeded to Xewark, where, in the judgment of Mr. 
Eeeves, a change for the better among the people had 
taken place since he had labored with them the pre- 
ceding year. God had been carrying on his work, 
sinners had been converted, and the Church revived. 
In the evening the "interesting female," as Mrs. 
Eeeves was called by them, spoke to a very large, re- 
spectable, and attentive congregation. After they were 
dismissed, she detained the members, and gave them 
an affectionate exhortation of considerable length 
Their attachment to Mrs. Eeeves was very remarkable, 
and was manifested by their pecuniary offers, if she 
would consent to tarry with them through the year. 
They then returned to Zanesville. and Mr. Eeeves, in 
his diary, says of his wife: 4 -Henceforth, at her re- 
quest. I shall call her Hannah'* — a good name for a 
Christian lady. In the Old Testament, where names 
were often significant of the nature or quality of things, 
Hannah means gracious, merciful, or taking rest. The 
wife ?*f Elkanah. a Levite. the mother of Samuel, the 
prophet, was called by this name. This fact may have 
induced this good sister to delight in her own Christian 
name, Hannah, and wish to be called by it, throughout 
her pilgrimage. After preaching in Zanesville, and 



140 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



then at father Thrap's in the country, and hearing the 
venerable Snethen in Zanesville, they continued in 
town a few days, arranging their affairs for the journey 
to their new circuit, Youngstown. Here Mr. Reeves, 
in his diary says : "I am surprised at the goodness of 
God to us, even in temporal matters. To-day we were 
providentially led to purchase a dearborn at a very low 
rate, and on easy terms, to carry us and our few things 
to our new appointment. We proceeded to prepare for 
our journey, and tried our horse in the shafts, and he 
performed very well. On the 25th of October, about 
noon, we took our leave of Zanesville, and entered on 
our journey. But we had not descended the first hill 
from town till we were in great jeopardy. But the 
good providence of G-od again prevented any evil hap- 
pening to us. Neither the good brother who assisted 
in harnessing the horse, nor myself, knew how to put on 
the harness, or to hitch the horse to the vehicle ; and 
had not the Lord sent a man at the very juncture, in 
attempting to descend the hill, as we had fixed the 
horse, we must have met with a serious accident. 
Here, again, is new matter of praise to the good Being 
who is always about our path doing us good. After 
we adjusted the harness, we proceeded on to Norwich 
in safety." 

Here we find Mr. Reeves referring the procuring a 
dearborn on easy terms, and the help of a man on the 
hill, at a critical juncture, to the good providence of 
God. Half infidel professors may call all this chance ; 
but why shut out Divine Providence from such matters? 
Does not all good come from God? Are not even the 
very hairs of our heads numbered by him? And not a 
sparrow falls to the ground without his notice. So 
certainly as there is a general Providence, embracing 
all great things, there is likewise a particular Provi- 
dence, extending to all little things. It is no more 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



141 



unworthy of Grod to take care of a worm than it was for 
him to create a worm. If God governs the world at all, 
he must govern and care for little things as well as 
great, for it takes the whole, small and great, to make 
up the world, and a general Providence that does not 
include a particular Providence, is a manifest absurdity 
■ — a large number includes all lesser numbers. 



CHAPTER XII. 

Mr. and Mrs. Reeves "both preach at Norwich— Hannah preaches 
in Fairview — Both preach in Mount Pleasant — Hannah 
preaches in Steuben ville— Kindly treated every where on the 
journey— They pass on to Wellsville— New Lisbon— Provi- 
dential occurrences by the waj r — Mrs. Reeves remains to 
preach in New Lisbon on the Sabbath— Her husband passes 
on to Youngstown — Their labors regularly commenced — 
They occupy many towns, and a large scope of country — A 
glorious camp-meeting — We lose the fruits — The first quarter- 
ly meeting— They operate apart for a time, but meet in Wells- 
ville — A good love-feast — Hannah preaches — Goes to Lisbon. 

TN the evening they both spoke to the people at Nor- 
1 wich, in the Presbyterian church. It was a long 
meeting, and a profitable time to many souls. The 
next morning, after purchasing a new collar, and a re- 
arrangement of the harness by their kind landlord, 
they proceeded on their journey, and came to Pair view 
a little too late to publish an appointment for preach- 
ing that evening, a matter no little regretted by them, 
as they greatly desired to publish the glad tidings of 
salvation as they traveled, wherever it was practica- 
ble. On this occasion the rain had delayed them ; but 
they consented to tarry at the request of the people, 
and at eleven o'clock Hannah had a respectable audi- 
ence, and to them she delivered a profitable sermon. 
So said the people, and so thought her husband. In 
the afternoon they went on to St. Clairsville, where 



142 



THE LADY PR EA CHER: 



they were well entertained at a public house, but had 
no opportunity for preaching. The next morning, 
October 28th, they came in safety over hilly, inferior 
roads, to Mount Pleasant. In the evening Hannah 
preached to a large congregation. It was a refreshing, 
interesting occasion among that people, who had re- 
ceived and treated them with so much Christian kind- 
ness. 

The next day, 29th, they were induced, by the impor- 
tunity of the brethren and citizens, to remain over 
the Sabbath, so that both the husband and the wife 
might speak to the people, and the Presbyterians kindly 
offered their meeting-house on that occasion. Here Mr. 
Beeves took the fore way ; he preached to a large con- 
gregation of attentive hearers. Then, after an inter- 
mission of about-twenty minutes, Hannah delivered her 
message, seemingly much to the edification of the 
people. In the evening, Mr. Peeves spoke again with 
considerable warmth in our own meeting-house, and 
his lady delivered an exhortation, and closed the labors 
of the day and evening with fervent prayer to Grod for 
a blessing on their labors. It was an interesting day — 
a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. In 
Mr. Peeves' diary this entry is made : " October 31st — 
I really felt much at home among these friendly people, 
and when we left, we found that in this short space of 
time a considerable attachment had been formed be- 
tween us." The weather being wet and unfavorable 
for traveling, they had rather an unpleasant journey to 
Steubenville. It was night when they arrived there, 
and being wet and weary, they chose rather, as they 
were strangers, to put up for the night at a tavern, than 
to seek for entertainment among the brethren. 

On the next morning, November 1st, Mr. Peeves 
visited one of the brethren, to deliver a note from a 
friend in Zjxnesville. He then designed going right on 



MRS. HA XX AH REEVES. 



143 



to TTellsville. But the delivering of the note made 
them known, and the brethren came and prevented 
their going, though part of their goods were already in 
the carriage, alleging that Brother George Brown would 
be there, as an inducement for them to tarry. They 
were then removed to the house of one of the friends, 
where many of the brethren visited them during the 
day. In the evening Hannah preached to an apprecia- 
tive audience, and her husband closed with prayer. On 
the next morning, November 2d, the brother with 
whom they lodged accompanied them to the hotel, and 
settled their bill, which was indeed very kind. The 
friends in Steubenville appeared to be highly gratified, 
and desired another visit, at as early a date as might 
be convenient. In the afternoon they started on their 
journey, and expected to reach TTeUsville before the 
setting of the sun. But in this they were mistaken. 
Neither was this all. Once more their lives were in 
eminent peril ; but they providentially escaped the dan- 
ger. How many instances of providential interposi- 
tions had they to record ! Being timid in crossing 
strange waters, as usual they had inquired if there were 
any streams to cross, and were informed that there was 
only one, Yellow Creek, and that was not dangerous ; 
they need entertain no fears, as it was easily forded. And 
so it was a mile up the stream, out of their direct route ; 
and they not being distinctly informed of that, drove 
on to the water's edge at the mouth of the creek, near 
the Ohio river, and were about to urge the horse into 
the fearful gulf. But the penetrating eyes of Mrs. 
Reeves perceived the danger ahead, and she prevented 
her husband from driving into the water, which he, fol- 
lowing instructions rather too literally, was about to do. 
Throwing out her hands to check the reins, she ex- 
claimed : "Stop, Mr. Reeves, that stream is not forda- 
"ble. Dark as it is, I see that is still water, and deep, 



144 



THE LADY PREACHER. 



and if you enter it, we shall be drowned." The horse, 
too, seemed to hesitate to step in, high mettled as he 
was. They then called for assistance, and soon a man 
from the opposite side came with a lantern, and con- 
firmed the fact of danger, assuring them that the water 
at that place was from sixteen to eighteen feet deep. 
He then explained all about the ford a mile up stream. 
In a short time a ferry boat was brought, and they 
crossed the stream in safety, thanking God, as they 
went over, for this merciful and timely deliverance. The 
danger was now passed, and darkness fully set in, so 
that they could not see the horse's head. A company 
from TY r ellsville had come down there on a spree. One 
of the company was entirely beyond walking, and too 
heavy for his comrades to carry, so they were applied to 
u to take a sick man," as this drunkard was called, " on 
board of the carriage." They soon found that for him 
there was no room, and the travelers were excused. 
These strangers, traveling in the dark, made inquiry 
for Joseph Wells and the road, and it was soon sus- 
pected by one of the company who they were. This man, 
being a good natured sinner, took a deep interest in 
them, and by his means they arrived in Wells ville in 
safety, and met with a very hearty welcome at the house 
of Brother Wells, who, with his good lady, entertained 
them in the most friendly manner. After repairing a 
shaft, attending to their sick horse, and forming sundry 
valuable acquaintances among the friends in Wellsville, 
they proceeded on to JSew Lisbon, where they found 
comfortable entertainment with Brother Henry Spring- 
er. Here Hannah, according to the wishes of the 
friends, remained over Sunday, to preach for the people, 
and her husband went on to Youngstown, to commence 
his labors in one of the principal towns on his circuit. 
His text that day was John xixi. 20, and he enjoyed the 
opening services well, and in his diary sa} r s : U I hope 



JIBS, HANNAH REEVES. 145 

the Lord has a work for us to do here, and that we may 
do it." He then returned to Xew Lisbon, where Brother 
Henry Springer, a man of much liberality, kindly of- 
fered them a home in his house, he to furnish them a 
room, and every needful provision for themselves and 
horse, whenever they found it convenient to be there, 
and charge them nothing. Of course this kind and 
generous offer was most gratefully accepted, but the 
parties to whom it was made could not avail themselves 
of its advantages long. At the earnest solicitation of 
the friends, arrangements were soon entered into for 
Hannah to travel the circuit, as an assistant to her hus- 
band, and fill the alternate Sabbath appointments in 
their large field of labor. They, however, went one 
round together, in order to become acquainted with the 
roads, the people, and the places. Here an incident 
may be noticed. As they rode in the afternoon of No- 
vember 10th, to TTellsville. when in sight of the town, 
a storm of wind arose, with some rain. Mrs. Beeves' 
umbrella being out of repair, the noise of its flapping, 
and the rain, frightened her horse, and he showed a 
disposition to break and run. She called to her husband 
to take the umbrella from her hand ; finding this to be 
impracticable, he advised her to drop it. She attempted 
to do this, but the hook of the handle caught, as it fell, 
in her riding habit, and hung for some time, which in- 
creased the alarm of the horse, and caused him to run 
the faster. Providentially, it fell at last to the ground, 
the horse was checked in his speed, and no damage of 
any consequence was done. This merciful escape from 
injury, in the time of such peril, was a matter of thank- 
fulness to God, from both the husband and the wife. 
In the evening she preached an impressive sermon to a 
crowded congregation. They both entertained a hope 
that good was done, and felt more than ever like striv- 
ing to live to be instrumental in saving souls. 
13 



146 THE LAD Y PRE A CHER: 

On the evening of the 11th of November, Hannah's 
spirit seemed to be much drawn out while preaching to 
the people in Eaucettstown, (now called East Liver- 
pool.) The congregation crowded the house to its 
utmost capacity, and gave good attention to the word. 

On the 13th of November, the husband preached at 
eleven o'clock in Faucettstown, and his wife at three 
o'clock in the same place, to large and attentive congre- 
gations. In the evening, Hannah had, as was supposed, 
the largest congregation that ever assembled in the 
Beaver court-house. The attention was solemn and 
profound, and by G-od's blessing, in answer to prayer, it 
is believed good was done to many souls. On the fol- 
lowing day, they went to New Lisbon. But being 
detained by the unruliness of the horse, they did not 
reach that place until about seven o'clock in the even- 
ing. After preaching in the Baptist church in New 
Lisbon, and holding a prayer-meeting at Brother 
Springer's, where Hannah was much drawn out in 
prayer, they went on to Canfield and Boardman. But at 
Brother Webb's, where they dined, they were detained, 
and in the evening Hannah spoke to a mixed multitude, 
and on the following Sabbath she preached in Youngs- 
town. 

Now the time had come when, by the arrangement 
entered into, Hannah, as an assistant to her husband, 
was, in the main, to work by herself. On the 1st day 
of December, Mr. Beeves conducted her to her first ap- 
pointment in Boardman. This was the first ride in a 
sleigh she ever had. Here her husband makes this note 
in his diary : " The congregation was good, but I did 
not enjoy the services as well as usual. I did not think 
her discourse could be ranked with the general run of 
her sermons. Had a good class-meeting. In the even- 
ing, she spoke in Poland, in an exceedingly crowded 
school-house. The perspiration was wiped from her 



MR 8. HANNAH REEVES. 147 

face like as in summer, although snow was upon the 
ground. The sermon this evening, to me at least, was 
worth half a dozen of the other." His condition for 
hearing, or his wife's for preaching, may have made the 
difference in this case. How often are preachers unfit 
for duty ! How often are hearers very poor judges of 
good sermons ! The preacher sometimes has to bear 
the blame, when the fault is wholly in the hearers. Com- 
plain ers should think of this . 

It was found by these co-laborers that in this neigh- 
borhood, even, mean and pitiful stratagems had been 
resorted to by those who never wished us well, to obtain 
an addition of members, by securing to themselves the 
fruit of a camp-meeting held the preceding fall by our 
preachers. The circuit was not then fully formed, and 
so a fine opportunity was presented to persuade the 
young converts that they would have no preaching, if 
they united with the Methodist Protestant Church. 
Sectarian bigotry, to a great extent, carried its point, 
and we measurably lost the fruits of our glorious camp- 
meeting. 

On the 3d day of December, in Youngstown, with a 
small congregation, the quarterly meeting was com* 
menced. But in the evening they had a precious sea- 
son. A prayer-meeting followed the preaching. Mourn- 
ers came, without a call, to the altar of prayer, and 
there were a number of the members of the Church 
there too, seeking the u second blessing," or entire 
sanctification. In the morning the love-feast was 
spiritual and profitable, and was numerously attended, 
notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather. At 
eleven o'clock, our house being too small for so great 
an assembly, they repaired to the M. E. Church for 
accommodations. Here Hannah preached to the multi- 
tude, but the intense cold w T as a hindrance to the suc- 
cess of the service. In the afternoon, in our own house, 



148 



THE LADY PREACHER, 



it being the most comfortable, Mr. Reeves preached, 
and administered the holy communion. In his diary 
he acknowledges, on this occasion, a departure from 
regular Church order, and pleads justification in so 
doing on the ground of necessity. u Deacon's orders 
allow me only to assist the elder in the administration 
of this ordinance, but no elder came to assist me 
through the meeting ; and the people expected to com- 
memorate the suffering and death of our blessed Lord 
and Saviour on a quarterly meeting occasion. So I, 
from the exposition of the Saviour, Matthew xii. 1 — 8, 
conscientiously departed from the rule in this emer- 
gency, bearing in mind that exceptio firmat regulam — 
6 the exception confirms the rule.' " * 

I must quote the diary a little further: a A consider- 
able number of communicants came forward, and par- 
took of the sacred emblems consecrated by a deacon. 
In the evening, Hannah was powerfully blessed in 
speaking, and five persons had a precious season of 
refreshing, from the presence of the Lord. The mourn- 
ers at the altar were of two kinds ; one class seeking 
the remission of their sins, and the other the sanctifica- 
tion of their souls ; and it is worthy of remark that the 
distress of the latter seemed to be far greater than that 
of the former. Midnight came before we left the place, 
and then two of us led one brother away, still in an- 
guish of spirit. After we took him to the house, he 
spent another hour before he could sit up. That night 
sleep departed from him; he came again before we 

* The rule ! What rule? Is it in the New Testament? Is it 
any where said in that sacred hook that a communion is un- 
lawful, unless the bread and wine he first consecrated hy an 
elder or hy a minister of any order? Might not Christ's death 
be scripturally remembered by his disciples, where no or- 
dained minister could be had to take the lead in that sacred 
ordinance? Human rules, ecclesiastical in character, for the 
sake of order in the Church, should be observed, wherever it 
is practicable. But where a strict observance of them would 
deprive, the children of God of the bread of life, necessity re- 
quires that they be laid aside in all such cases. 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 149 

rose from our beds, not yet comforted. In the evening, 
the young people attended their prayer-meeting, as 
usual, and had a good time, and broke up with a shout. 
They led one young woman through the street, whose 
cries called out the people from a tavern they passed, 
on their way to the place where a few older members 
had also been holding a prayer-meeting. The drunkards 
responded in a mock shout of praise to God. The old 
veteran members came and joined us. Here the 
brother who had been in such distress, appeared to 
obtain partial relief. It was not until the next morn- 
ing, a little before day, that the blessing came, and O 
how unspeakably happy he was! His countenance 
was radiant with the light and purity of heaven." 

I have introduced this long extract from the diary, 
because it holds up before the reader a glass in which 
he may have a pretty good view of revivals in former 
years. How often, in the days of other years, under the 
frowns of the world, and regardless of the mocking 
shouts of the drunkard, have I known the faithful 
servants of the Lord to toil on at camp-meetings and 
quarterly meetings the entire night, wrestling, like 
Jacob, until the break of day, to bring sinners to 
Christ. 

After preaching at Ellsworth and Salem, to which 
places she and her husband traveled through most 
intense cold, and in both of which places her labors 
were considered valuable by the people, these two co- 
laborers seemed to have operated apart for a short 
time. After a reference to the increasing severity of 
the weather, Mr. Reeves, who was then in rather feeble 
health, speaks thus of himself on the 18th of December : 
"I know not when, since I was in this neighborhood 
before, that I have enjoyed such a heavenly frame of 
mind. It was as if some celestial music continually 
sounded in my ears, and made all within me rejoice. I 
13* 



150 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



attribute this blessing to the fervent prayers at a dis- 
tance ascending for me. What a blessing to have such 
a 4 help-meet ' in the divine life ! May the Lord 
strengthen us both in body and mind, and give us grace 
to be useful, and to show forth his praise among the 
people." 

In due time the parties met in Wells ville, at a two 
days' meeting. In the morning, things looked a little 
doubtful, but soon a change for the better is indicated. 
Rev, C. Murray introduced the love-feast. Mr. Reeves 
followed with an exhortation, and a brief account of his 
religious experience. This seemed to awaken a general 
state of good feeling. Hannah soon followed. She gave, 
at considerable length, an interesting account of her 
conversion, her call to the ministry, her trials and en- 
couragements, her temptations and victories, etc. It 
is believed that this simple experimental speech in the 
love-feast, did more to remove the prejudices of that 
community against female preaching than any argu- 
ments could have done. Then there was a pause — a 
time for reflection on what they had heard. But soon 
the silence was broken, and what had engaged the at- 
tention of the brethren now appeared to give life and 
energy to the exercises that followed. The meeting 
closed, leaving a good impression upon the minds of 
most of the people present. Then came the preaching. 
It was a Christmas sermon. There seemed to be no 
little wonder among the people how she could officiate 
in a sphere so long occupied almost exclusively by the 
other sex. A short intermission was given ; the people 
crowded the house ; many went away for want of room. 
Hannah, having recently been indisposed, and having 
expended so much of her strength in the love-feast, told 
the people that she was sorry that she had not strength 
sufficient to enable her to do justice to the subject, it 
being the anniversary of the nativity of Christ. Yet 



MBS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



151 



her success exceeded her own expectation, and that of 
her husband. Meantime, the public mind was satisfied. 
After the sermon the sacrament was administered, but 
this faithful worker, to the grief of her husband and 
friends, could not be present to enjoy this delightful 
means of grace. She had an appointment in Xew Lis- 
bon, a distance of fourteen miles, in the evening, and 
had to be off to it immediately. Many appeared to be 
much concerned for her, and no wonder. Her exercises 
in the love-feast, and then in preaching, and riding on 
horseback fourteen miles, in cold winter weather, and 
preaching again at night, was rather over work for a 
female. Yet she accomplished it all, and had a good 
meeting that evening in Xew Lisbon. The meeting in 
Wellsville resulted in good to the church. In the even- 
ing, after dismissing the congregation, a prayer-meeting 
was held. It was a gracious season. Several persons 
appeared to be penitent, and cried for mercy, while 
others rejoiced in the Lord. 



152 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



CHAPTER XTTL 

Hannah preaches a funeral sermon in Salem— Meets her hus- 
band in Canfield— A good meeting there— With Dr. Bostwick 
she goes to Warren— A large congregation in the Court-house 
— She is greatly blessed in preaching— Meets her husbamd in 
New Lisbon — They now travel together in a " jumper " — Visit 
Wellsville in company— The trip is hard and dangerous— The 
great nood of 1822— Hannah goes by boat to nil her appoint- 
ment in Beaver — She fears nothing— Meets her engagement- 
Returns to her husband — The devastation made by the flood 
wonderful— They visit awhile in Xew Lisbon— Mr. Reeves 
sick in Salem— Church matters and kind friends in that place 
—Hannah fills her husband's appointments— Rules of holy 
living— Hannah returns. 

OK the 28th of December, Hannah preached a funeral 
discourse in Salem, by special request. It was a 
good time. In the evening she held a pra} T er-meeting, 
and received an invitation to preach in that place regu- 
larly. So the Lord opened her way to be useful among 
the people. The next day she went in safety to Can- 
field, and at the house where they usually put up, she 
found her husband, and made report of what she had 
been doing in the Master's vineyard, and of the success 
that had crowned her labors. On this occasion, Mr. 
Beeves makes the following entry in Ms diary : "It does 
appear that she is calculated to do much good in the 
glorious cause of vital religion and reform. And how 
thankful ought I to be that the Lord should so distin- 
guishingly favor me with such a blessing." He that 
fmdeth such a wife, findeth a good thing, and obtaineth 
favor of the Lord. 

This lady preacher could not be idle. In the evening 
she had an appointment ; a large congregation attended. 
She felt rather unfit for the services before she went to 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



153 



the meeting. But the promise, u Lo, I am with you," 
encouraged her heart. She obtained help from the Lord 
and had a good meeting. A good meeting to her, where 
the Holy Spirit attended the word, where sinners were 
awakened, and saints were joyful in the Lord, was bet- 
ter than all worldly treasures, and pleasures, and 
honors. 

Her next tour was with Dr. Bostwick in a sleigh, to 
Warren, January 20th, 1832. In that place we had no 
society, but the appointment had been published in the 
papers for some time ; curiosity was on the tiptoe, and 
the anxiety was indeed very great to hear a female 
preach. A large congregation crowded the court-house 
to excess, and Hannah was well harnessed for her work. 
It is believed that general satisfaction was given to that 
large assembly, and that fruit unto life eternal will be 
gathered from that sermon. Immediately after this 
meeting in Warren, she and her husband met in ]N"ew 
Lisbon, where she gave to him an encouraging account 
of the good meetings in her last tour. They again took 
different routes, and on the 31st of January, once more 
they met in Bloomfield, to compare notes and strengthen 
each other's hands in the work of the Lord. She and her 
husband had each traveled in very cold weather, over 
extremely rough roads, to met at that place. The con- 
gregation was large ; cold weather and bad roads did 
not keep the people at home on that occasion. The 
people were much divided in religious sentiment, but the 
discourse appeared to give general satisfaction to all par- 
ties. Abstract argument has no such power to remove 
prejudice against female preaching, as is to be found 
in a faithful presentation of the plain truths of the gos- 
pel. This fact was more fully than ever revealed to 
the parties more immediately concerned, while attend- 
ing the meeting in Bloomfield. 

On the 2d day of February, the two were together, 



154 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



traveling in what was called a "jumper," and a thaw 
had commenced. They had an appointment at Ells- 
worth, and were advised not to filMt, but to return 
immediately home. This they could not consent to do, 
so they determined to meet the appointment. As the 
roads were bad, the congregation was small, but the 
meeting was, upon the whole, rather encouraging for 
that place. The following morning the prospect of 
getting home with their "jumper" appeared rather 
discouraging. An effort was made to get a side-saddle 
for Hannah to ride, but it entirely failed. The frost 
was coming out of the ground rapidly. What could 
they do in this emergency? Why, they set out for 
home in the mud, and had a most heart-sickening day 
of "jumping." Before they could reach home, night 
overtook them, and one runner wore out, so Mr. Reeves 
had to walk to prevent a wreck. He had on a pair of 
thin shoes, which did not suit the occasion ; the mud 
was over the top of them at every step ; his leggings, 
however, were a great protection to his feet. The 
horse was impatient to quench his thirst, which he 
tried to do at every flow of water by the road side. If 
Job had been there, his patience might have held out ; 
but the case was different with Mr. Reeves. He says 
of himself in his diary: "This, I confess, at length so 
wearied my patience that my spirit was tried and ruf- 
fled, to the no small grief of my dear Hannah. But I 
know she has forgiven me, and I hope my compassion- 
ate Saviour has done the same." They arrived at home 
in safety, though much bespattered with mud, and 
found it in their hearts to praise the Lord for his many 
mercies and preserving care. 

In the afternoon of February 4th, with a borrowed 
horse, they set out for Wells ville on horseback, and 
found the traveling still very bad. Again they were 
overtaken by the darkness of night, in the mud. A 




MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



155 



storm of hail descending upon the frozen umbrella, 
scared his wife's horse. But he succeeded in taking it 
from her hand without any harm happening to her. 
After this she had to take the lead, as his horse would 
not go before. On the river hill, he would have gladly 
led the way, but his scary horse would not allow it. 
At length, in descending the hill, the road became so 
bad that Hannah had to dismount and walk, leading 
her horse. He then dismounted too, and took the lead, 
On arriving at a house about three-fourths of the way 
down the hill, he inquired if the creek could be forded, 
Receiving an affirmative answer, they proceeded ; but 
when they came to the water, they were afraid to ven- 
ture in, being convinced of the great danger of such an 
undertaking. After long and ineffectual calling for help 
from the Wellsville side, Mr. Reeves returned to the 
house where they made inquiry, leaving his wife at the 
creek; and upon telling the man he knew the creek 
was not fordable the moment he came to it, he replied : 
"I did not know that it was, for it was more than 
belly deep some time before dark." And the oniy 
excuse he could offer for such culpable indifference, 
when life was in peril, was that he "did not know there 
was a woman along."- Hence it would appear that he 
did not regard the life of a man, if a woman did not 
share the same fate. A reasonable compensation was 
then offered this man, if he would conduct them around 
the hill, to avoid that deep place. But as the snow 
storm appeared "too blue to-night" for him to turn 
out, he kindly offered to entertain the strangers and 
their horses till morning. Immediately Mrs. Reeves 
was brought back from the creek, and they remained 
there that night, feeling no little joy that they did not 
attempt to ford the stream in the darkness of the night, 
and likewise gratitude to God for Iris good providence 
over them, in giving them a place of rest and shelter 



156 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



from the storm. It was the impression of Mr. Beeves, 
before he left home, that there was danger ahead ; a 
feeling of unusual gloom came over him, which he 
thought a presage of something calamitous at hand ; 
but he construed it not into a forwarning of danger, 
but into an unwillingness on his part to go to his ap- 
pointment. 

There was one little aggravation in this case deemed 
worthy of notice in this connection. They did not call 
for supper, and they got none that night. They sup- 
posed the proposition made by the man to give them 
entertainment, included supper as well as lodging, 
but in this they were sadly disappointed. They saw 
the woman roasting the coffee, and concluded that sup- 
per was coming, or they would have called for it, and 
offered due compensation, for they were both in great 
need of refreshment. But to their great surprise and 
disappointment, their hopes were cut off at a stroke, on 
seeing the coffee put away, between nine and ten 
o'clock. Evidently there had been no intention to give 
them any supper at all. Who was to blame in this 
case? The woman for not preparing supper for them, 
without a request, or they for not making known their 
wants, as strangers usually do, and calling for supper? 
Perhaps both parties were a little at fault in this matter. 
When they saw that supper was not to be forthcoming, 
Hannah immediately retired to bed. Her husband 
soon followed, both hoping they might soon fall asleep 
and forget their hunger. Being very weary, they slept 
soundly until morning, when they awoke with thanks- 
giving to God for sustaining them. They then paid 
the moderate charge of twent} r -nve cents for accommo- 
dations received, and passed on to Wells ville, where all 
their wants were abundantly supplied. 

This was the time of the great flood in 1832, and it is 
not said whether or not they had a meeting in Wells- 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. I57 

ville; but Mr. Beeves immediately returned to New 
Lisbon, to fill his engagements there, and Hannah was 
looking up stream to her appointment in Beaver. 
How was she to go there? The river road had become 
impassable, and what could she do? We now again 
quote from the diary : "She would willingly risk her 
life, rather than disappoint a congregation. In this 
dilemma, a steamboat came up the river, laboring hard 
to stem the strong current — breasting the vast amount 
of floating debris, trees, logs, lumber, rails innumerable, 
buildings, both dwellings and outhouses, stacks of hay 
and grain, with fowls upon them — roosters crowing as 
they descended the mighty torrent. Trusting in the 
Lord, and fearless of danger, with an indomitable will 
and a determination to fill her appointment, if possible, 
she went on board of the steamer, leaving her horse in 
Brother Wells' stable, which afterwards had to be taken 
out, or it would have drowned. They had hard work 
to ascend the river. The strong current threatened to 
overpower the steam itself, and repeatedly the firemen 
had to resort to means to increase the force of the 
engine, and they threw grease and oil into the fire to 
augment its power. Even then, they were all night in 
reaching Big Beaver river. And in the morning, when 
they arrived at its mouth, such was the force of the 
stream, that, with all the extra appliances, for some 
time the issue was doubtful. Art, however, finally 
triumphed, and the boat ascended ; but then they could 
not affect a landing on the Beaver side of the river, 
and so put her off near Phillipsburg, on the opposite 
shore. She repaired to the temporary stopping place of 
the ferryman, who had been driven back to the edge of 
the town, and alleging that she had important business, 
requested him to ferry her across the river. Astonished 
at the hardihood and hazard embraced in the request, 
he bade her take a seat, and wait till after breakfast, 
14 



158 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



when lie said perhaps slie might come to her senses ; 
for the request to be taken over the river in a skiff, 
seemed more like the hallucination of a crazy woman 
than the sincere desire of a lady in her sober senses. 
But in the discharge of what she considered to be her 
religious duty, she counted not her life dear to her ; or, 
in other words, such was her faith and confidence in 
God, that she apprehended no harm would happen, and 
that the path of duty was the path of safety, irrespec- 
tive of appearances. Breakfast being over, and two 
stout looking young men having come in. she instantly 
challenged their courage to take her across the fearful 
current ; and their chivalry forbade them to decline to 
accept the challenge. She then appealed to the bravery 
of the old man. citing the appropriate aphorism. • Young 
men for strength, but old men for wisdom !* She urged 
the necessity of his services as a pilot, while the young 
men plied the oars. That was enough ; he agreed to 
go, and proceeded to point out the most imminent dan- 
ger. Strong as was the current, and formidable as was 
the debris, the greatest danger, he alleged, was after the 
body of the river was crossed. The boughs of the trees 
in the land flood creating a suction, the peril was that 
the boat might be drawn into a whirlpool, and then 
upset b} r the boughs. They started, and with great 
effort succeeded in crossing the river, and soon, sure 
enough, a gulf appeared. The gentleman gave warn- 
ing as they were nearing a tree, k Xow. boys, now for 
youv lives, or we are gone !' The limb struck one of 
them, and they narrowly escaped the vortex. She was 
landed in safety, and inquired the cost. 1 A tip' (six-and 
quarter cents), he said, 4 is all the law allows.' But of 
course she gave him more, with many hearty thanks." 

Here is indomitable courage and bravery in a female 
preacher, to meet her ministerial engagements, not 
often found in the male preachers of any of the churches. 



MBS. HA NN AH REEVES. 159 

This one act of her life, to say nothing of her other 
efforts in the ministry, is enough to show her great per- 
severance and strength of character. When safely 
landed, she proceeded to the house of Brother I. T 
Miller, an old stopping-place in Sharon ; when on her 
arrival, lo ! the family had left, being driven out by the 
flood. The}' had remained in their house until the 
water reached the second bar of the grate up stairs, and 
were taken out of the window ! A large boat was there 
then, and the men engaged in taking out the goods. A 
man stood with one foot on the roof of the house, and 
the other on the bow of the boat, while taking out the 
furniture, which was put out of the attic window. She, 
of course, sought other quarters. Sabbath came, and 
the evening of her appointment in Beaver court-house. 
The men were engaged in saving their own and their 
neighbor's property, so there was no brother to accom- 
pany her, stand by her. or assist her in any way, for we 
had but few members in that place. One good Chris- 
tian lady, the wife of Brother I. T. Miller, and sister of 
Dr. Milo Adams, a woman of great moral worth, ac- 
companied her. and took a seat by her on the judge's 
bench, and did what she could in the devotional exer- 
cises. It will heighten the interest of this scene a little, 
no doubt, to state the following amusing occurrence : 

Two clergymen in town, pastors of two different de- 
nominational congregations, who were accustomed to 
preach in their churches both in the morning and after- 
noon, apparently with the design to draw away the 
congregation from the lady preacher, took it into their 
heads for once, at least, to have preaching at night, 
instead of the afternoon. Accordingly, in the morning, 
they gave public notice of the change. Clergyman 
Xo. 1 went to his church, but lo ! only a few of his 
leading official members came. He sang and prayed, 
and then proposed to the few who were present to go 



160 THE LADY PREACHER: 

to church No. 2, for he believed Eev. Mr. had 

preaching that night. So all went, and behold he had 
about the same sort of an audience. The two clergy- 
men consulted together for a few moments ; then came 
singing and prayer, conducted by clergymen No. 1, 
about which time a new idea occurred to their minds. 
They believed a lady was to preach in the court-house. 
u Suppose we all go and hear her." The proposition 
meeting with general approbation, the two pastors and 
their congregations repaired to the court-house, which 
was crowded with an attentive audience, listening to a 
discourse fervently delivered, under the direct influence 
of the Holy Spirit, which produced a profound impres- 
sion upon the minds of the people. Here these clerical 
gentlemen saw that all their schemes were vain, and 
that even the high water did not keep this lady, who 
had come to Beaver through most appalling difficulties, 
from having a first rate opportunity to deliver her gospel 
message in the name of the Lord. The next day a 
gentlemen in town, of rather a skeptical cast of mind, 
met these two clergymen, and laughed them to scorn 
for their clerical management in their ungallant under- 
taking — two of them to put down one woman — in which 
attempt they utterly failed. 

The husband and the wife met at home on the 17th 
of February. His health had been tolerably good, but 
she had suffered severely from a very cold ride, in re- 
turning home from Beaver. He speaks in his diary of 
his wife in terms of highest admiration. "I am truly 
astonished at her heroism!" Her trip to Wellsville 
and back, through most appalling difficulties, then to 
Beaver and home, and her declaration that she would 
rather go through it all than disappoint a congregation, 
led him to shout out aloud, "Praise the Lord! let us 
then go on." A man with such a wife might well go 
on. Mr. Reeves returned to Wellsville on the 18th, 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. \§\ 

and speaks of the devastations caused by the flood in 
the following manner: u On entering the place, I was 
struck with astonishment at the devastation caused by 
the inundation. I thought of Xoah's flood — the resem- 
blance — save that was universal, and this but partial — 
and no dead carcasses lay on the ground, here, at 
least. When I entered the house of Brother Wells, I 
did not wish to sit down and converse, but to stand 
and think for a while on what had taken place. Here 
was a wide field for reflection. Here Hannah left her 
horse, when she took that perilous trip up the river to 
Beaver, and it had to be taken from the stable for 
safety. This was the highest flood known on the 
shores of the Ohio. The loss of property was almost 
incalculable, and with it, it is feared, many lives. 
G-oing up to East Liverpool, my attention was attracted, 
every moment, by some new object of ruin which the 
desolating waters had made. I could think of scarcely 
any other text that this : c Behold what desolations he 
hath made in the earth.' But, as I said to Brother 
Wells, who was with me, I dare not speak from that 
passage, for the people have seen much more of the 
flood than I have." 

From the 24th of Februaiy to the 2d of March, Mr. 
Keeves and his wife spent mainly in Xew Lisbon, visit- 
ing the sick, especially some to whom they were called 
among our Methodist Episcopal brethren, and holding 
prayer-meetings for their benefit. But on this last 
mentioned date he left home, and went to Salem. 
When he started he was unwell, and grew worse on 
the way ; when he got there he could not preach, but 
had to take to his bed. His hope was that Hannah 
would be there to do the preaching in his stead. In a 
short time the disease developed itself ; it was a violent 
attack of the pleurisy. The bed aftbrded him no relief ; 
he would be up and walk a little, then sit down a little, 
14* 



162 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



then lie down a little ; but in no position could he find 

ease from the terrible pain in his side. His agony was 
inexpressibly severe. A physician was called in, and 
soon the pain was assuaged. But for this, death must 
have speedily ensued. A young man was despatched for 
Hannah in New Lisbon, and a little after midnight, 
dark as it was, and bad as were the roads, her faithful 
horse brought her the fourteen miles in safety, to see 
him in his afflictions. Low as he was, at the urgent 
request of a kind-hearted gentleman of another denomi- 
nation, this sick man was removed to his house, it 
being more convenient for a person in sickness. Every 
attention was paid by his kind host, Mr. Campbell, his 
family, and the physician, Dr. Stanton, to all of whom 
Mr. Reeves ever afterwards considered himself to owe 
a great debt of gratitude, for invaluable services kindly 
and faithfully rendered. This night trip, over bad 
roads, fourteen miles, to see, care for, and nurse her 
sick husband, clearly brings out, as night brings out 
the stars, the tenderness and energy of this wonderful 
woman. 

The meeting-house of our Methodist Episcopal breth- 
ren had been officially refused to our people not long 
since. Yet now, since their preacher had been called 
away by death, they came and offered Hannah the 
house to preach in. We advocated the rights of the 
laity, and the people generally would have treated us 
kindly, if it had not been for the preachers, whose 
ecclesiastical power we opposed. The house was ac- 
cepted by Mrs. Reeves, who had a large congregation 
and an excellent meeting ; so she informed her husband, 
to his great comfort in his afflictions. 

Dr. Stanton, who attended Mr. Eeeves, was an uncle 
to the late Secretary of War, Hon. E. M. Stanton, and 
was a member of the Society of Eriends — a noble-hearted, 
Christian gentleman. So soon as Mr. Reeves was able, 



MRS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



163 



he and his lady visited the doctor and his family. 
Several of the Friends were there at tea with them, and 
they spent a very pleasant evening together. When 
inquiry was privately made for the bill for medical 
services rendered, Mr. Eeeves was much surprised to 
be informed by the doctor that no bill would be made ; 
that he was entirely welcome to what he had done ; 
and he insisted on their visiting him, whenever they 
came to town. This looks like the Stantons. 

During Mr. Eeeves' illness, his wife preached a funeral 
sermon in New Lisbon. She had been much engaged 
among the sick in the forenoon, and had hardly a 
minute of time for reflection or premeditation. While 
Mr. Eeeves was still in feeble health, his courageous 
wife set out, on March 10th, to fill his appointments, 
the following day, in Liberty and Youngstown, and 
those in the coming week. The husband's heart went 
with her, and his prayer went up to God for her success, 
protection, and safe return. 

Many of the eminent saints of the Lord, in former 
times, after much deliberation and prayer, wrote out 
for themselves rules for holy living. Mr. Eeeves and 
his wife, it appears, had serious thoughts of doing this 
same thing, for with them it was a settled conviction, 
as it should be with all preachers, that holiness of heart 
and life is indispensably necessary to success in the 
gospel ministry. Hence, in his diary, this entry is made. 
u A little before I was taken sick, Hannah and I had 
talked of writing out rules for holy living. We each 
wanted the other to write them. I hope that the Lord 
will help us, not only to form rules, but also to live ac- 
cordingly, and give us many souls for the crown of our 
rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus." No doubt the 
thought of writing such rules grew out of the best of 
motives, an ardent desire to attain to an eminent degree 
of usefulness. But does a Christian minister, with the 



164 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



Bible in his Lands, really need such rules ? Is not the 
New Testament filled with all the rules of holy living 
that any soul of man can possibly need ? Can any man 
upon earth make rules of holy living more plain, more 
binding, and more authoritative, than those found in 
the Holy Scriptures ? Let us never forget that "Christ 
is the only Head of the Church, and the word of G-od is 
the only rule of faith and practice." Sound practical 
common sense can be at no loss to apply all the scriptural 
rules of holy living to all the daily operations of life, in 
the ministry, and in the membership of the Church of 
Jesus Christ. The Bible, and the Bible alone, should 
be the standard of faith, experience, and practice to 
all the children of God. 

Hannah still remained in the itinerant field, filling 
her husband's appointments, toiling on through the 
rough weather of March ; and on the 16th, she returned 
in safety, to the joy of her husband. When she left 
him to go on this tour of service, he committed her to 
the care of God, and prayed him to bless her at every 
appointment, and to be her hiding place from the storm, 
and her covert from the tempest. That prayer was 
answered to the joy of his heart. She had been a little 
unwell, however, after a cold ride through a piercing 
storm. When again at home, they both united in say- 
ing : £ 4 Well, we had better wear out than to rust out. 
Our earnest prayer is that we may be useful while we 
live, and if our lives should be shortened by our labors, 
we would say, the will of the Lord be done." Christ 
gave his life to save sinners, and most faithful ministers 
fall martyrs to their work, in striving to bring sinners 
to Christ, and in building up the Church which he pur- 
chased with his blood. 

Mr. Heeves, being now in better health, accompanied 
his wife to an appointment which she made, by request, 
at a Methodist Episcopal brother's house, thirteen miles 



MRS. HA NX AH REEVES. 



165 



from home. The congregation was good. The meeting 
was of an ordinary character. Prejudice, it seems, was 
rather too powerful against us to admit of much enjoy- 
ment of a religious character between the parties. 
There was prejudice of Jews against the early Christians ; 
of Catholics against the Protestants , of the Church of 
England against the Wesleyan Methodists ; and just 
so, of the Episcopal Methodists against the Reformers, 
or "Radicals," as the friends of ecclesiastical freedom 
were called. Tyranny never could look upon liberty 
with the least degree of allowance.* 

On returning home from the above appointment, it 
being rather dark, and the road rough, Mr. Peeves' 
horse stumbled and fell, throwing him over his head ; 
but happily for him, he sustained but little injury. 

* With pleasure, however, it may now "be recorded, that since 
the M. E. Church has become favorable to lay delegation, the 
force of the prejudice of our M. E. brethren is considerably 
abated. 



166 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



CHAPTER XIY. 



Quaint erly meeting in Beaver — Rev. C. Avery there — Xext, both 
are at Salem — Some trouble about a preaching place — They 
occupy a private house — Have a good meeting — Hannah in 
Bloomnelcl — Receives aid— Visits Newark — Her husband, 
accompanies her part of the way — Occurrences by the way — 
They stop at Morgan's tavern — Agree to hold a meeting 
there in four weeks — Her visit to Newark is successful — She 
preaches in many other places — She and her husband, 
meet at Morgan's — Hold a meeting in his barn — A society is 
the result— William sfi eld came next— A good meeting— They 
attend Quarterly meeting on Ohio Circuit — Some occurrences 
on the way, and at the meeting — Hannah visits Wheeling — 
The two-days' meeting at Webb's— The occurrences— Youngs- 
town meeting — Hannah overworked — Her husband in dis- 
tress. 



]S" the 25th of March, quarterly meeting came on 



\Jf in Beaver. In the morning they had a good 
prayer-meeting. At eleven o'clock, Rev. C. Avery, then 
in the prime of life, delivered a good discourse. At 
three o'clock, Rev. J. Clark gave them a powerful ser- 
mon, which was well received. In the evening Hannah 
had to speak. Her congregation was the largest of all. 
As there was plenty of excellent help, she came very 
reluctantly into the service ; but the people were too 
anxious to hear her to be put off. Evidently she had 
not the harness on for the occasion, and perhaps ought 
not to have preached. She had but a moderate time. 
The people, however, appeared to be gratified and 
profited by her discourse. Mr. Avery, before leaving 
for home, gave Hannah a pressing invitation to visit 
Pittsburg. On the evening of the 26th, after preach- 
ing by Brother Clark, the holy communion and the 
love-feast followed. This was a refreshing season in- 
deed. All through the meeting was good, but the best 




MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 167 

of the wine was kept until the last of the feast. Three 
persons joined the society, two of them from the M. E. 
Church. 

After the quarterly meeting, on the 30th of March, 
these two co-laborers are found at Salem. Here our 
Methodist Episcopal brethren had publicly prohibited 
the Reformers from preaching in their meeting-house 
any more. On being ridiculed and reproached, not 
only by sister churches, but by men of the world, for 
such conduct, they gave a reluctant consent for Hannah 
to occupy the house, but still forbade her husband that 
privilege. This led to the discovery of her just sense 
of propriety in such a case. Her womanly nature was 
roused, and she indignantly declined to enter their 
house on such conditions. She considered the distinc- 
tion made between her and her husband invidious and 
insulting, alleging that they both preached the same 
doctrine, and believed in the same form of church 
government. She said: 4 'If my husband is a Method- 
ist, so am I. Is he a Reformer? so am I; and we 
will both share the same fate." They then retired to 
a private house, and had a good congregation and a 
good meeting. 

They now went again into different parts of the vine- 
yard to work, and met on the 10th of April, in Bloom- 
field. Hannah had commenced the meeting before her 
husband arrived ; and as he entered the house, he could 
but notice how sweet the accents flowed from lips of 
gentleness and love. In this feeling of the husband at 
the sound of the voice of his wife in conducting divine 
service, there is a mixture of nature and grace. He 
was unusually "pleased with the manner of her de- 
livery, as well as with the voice of praise." He adds : 
"Truly we had a good meeting;" and expresses a 
desire that they might live to promulgate the glorious 
gospel, and be successful in the work of the Lord. 



1(38 THE LADY PREACHER: 

Hannah had been at Youngstown, before she came to 
Bloomfield ; the notice of her appointment there was 
conditional, yet she had an overflowing house. Now 
on the 12th, according to arrangement, these laborers 
take different directions in the Master's vineyard, but 
meet again in Canfield. Then, m company, they pro- 
ceed to Ellsworth, where, every thing considered, they 
had a good company of people to hear the word. In 
preaching, Hannah had good liberty, and a good im- 
pression, it is believed, was made. After service, they 
went on to Salem that night. On the morning of the 
13th, before meeting, they visited several families. 
Then, in a private house, crowded full of attentive 
hearers, Hannah spoke with much liberty and power, 
and had true spiritual enjoyment in the exercises, in 
which her husband and the people shared largely. 

Previous to going to their appointment at Youngs- 
town, their friends at Newark had obtained a promise 
from Mrs. Beeves that she would visit them in the 
spring. On the afternoon of the 16th, she set out from 
New Lisbon, on that long contemplated journey. By 
agreement, her husband was to accompany her as far 
as the Tuscarawas river. They could not, the first 
day, quite make Centerville, but found at a farm-house 
quite comfortable accommodations. But to the great 
detriment of these travelers, the colt rode by Mr. 
Beeves had been rather overfed, and was not in good 
condition for the road. The next day by noon, with 
much difficulty, they reached Leesburg. Here an effort 
was made to borrow a horse to proceed on their journey; 
but in this they failed. Being considerably tried in 
spirit at this disappointment, they had almost concluded 
to return so soon as the horse could travel, and give 
the journey up. But at this juncture a kind-hearted 
gentleman came and revived their hopes, by promising 
them a horse the next day, should it return from a 



MRS. HANNAH BEEVES. 169 

journey that night. This gentleman ascertained who 
they were, and made them known to some of the society 
of Reformers in town. This opened the way for an 
appointment in the evening. A large congregation 
came out to hear the word, and Hannah, seeming to 
forget all her worry of spirit, caused by the foundering 
of the horse, went into the work with all her might, 
and enjoyed much liberty and power in preaching, and 
many, before she closed, were quite up to the shouting 
point. They spent the night with the gentleman who 
had promised them the horse. The next morning they 
proceeded on their journey with their borrowed horse, 
designing to tarry that night at the Widow Wolf's 
tavern. But when they had crossed the Tuscarawas 
the second time, they were immediately known by the 
people, and a little further on they put up at a tavern 
kept by Squire Morgan. Their stopping here was 
owing to mistaken information, but the event proved 
it all for the best. They were cordially entertained, 
and the landlord made a special request that Hannah 
should officiate at the family altar, which she did the 
next morning. On taking leave, the bill was called for, 
and it was cancelled, on the condition that Mrs. Beeves, 
on her return in four weeks, should preach for them in 
his barn. To this she consented, and her husband was 
to meet her there at that time. Mr. Reeves then 
returned to his own field of labor, and his wife went on 
her journey to Newark. In her visits to this place 
during the last year, her preaching had greatly enlisted 
public attention and multiplied her friends, and an 
ample support was proposed, if she and her husband 
would come and labor in Newark the ensuing year. It 
did appear to many in that place that God, who had so 
signally owned her labors among them, had chosen her 
to do a work there, and that nobody could take her 
place with advantage. Now, when the Conference 
15 



170 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



appointed Mr. Keeves to another field, and all hope of 
having her services was cut off, an injury was done to 
the cause of Christ. The revival which commenced 
under her labors at the two days' meeting, already 
mentioned, was checked. And the minister, who before 
had been held in high esteem, could do no more good 
among that people, and said himself, that he had not 
had one good meeting among them since she left them 
last fall. In view of all this, it is believed that, unin- 
tentionally, the Conference erred in not appointing Mr. 
Reeves and lady to Newark, where the field was so 
white unto the harvest. 

But when Mrs. Reeves returned to Newark on a visit, 
the very first night the court-house was crowded with 
a deeply interested audience- The power of God at- 
tended the word, in a remarkable manner, all over that 
house. Saints were quickened into new life, and sin- 
ners were awakened from their carnal slumbers. At 
her instance an invitation was give to penitents, and 
fourteen presented themselves at the altar of prayer. 
Thus the instrument for good, on whom the people's 
hearts were set, began immediately to be successful 
among them in winning souls to Christ. Some penitents 
found the blessing promised to seekers, and others con- 
tinued the struggle as for the life of their souls, and the 
members of the Church, now in good working order, 
were happy in the Lord. This Christian lady preached 
several times in Newark. She went also to Mount 
Vernon, Fredericktown, Zanesville, Hoskinsville, and 
Coshocton, and several other places, preaching the 
gospel. She visited five counties, the scenes of former 
labors — Knox, Licking, Muskingum, Morgan, and 
Tuscarawas. In all she preached eighteen times among 
her old friends during this visit. Indeed, she ate no 
idle bread, for beside her preaching and attention to 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



171 



the company of friends, she had much toil in traveling 
over such an extensive district of country. 

In four weeks, according to agreement, she and her 
husband met at Squire Morgan's, and found the barn 
fitted up for the occasion. Hannah was sadly worn 
down and afflicted with a bad cough, so that it appeared 
to be impossible for her to preach. Nevertheless, seeing 
the landlord had gone to so much trouble in fitting up 
his barn for the occasion, and the people with him were 
extremely anxious to hear her, she consented to try ; 
and by the help of the Lord, she prayed and preached 
with acceptance and success, a gracious influence at- 
tending the word. The text on that occasion was taken 
from Acts xxiv. 25 : " And as he reasoned of righteous- 
ness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trem- 
bled, and said, G-o thy way for this time ; when I have 
a convenient season, I will call for thee." In a short 
time the superintendent of the Plainfield circuit organ- 
ized a society in that place of about twenty members, 
and nearly all of them dated their conviction from that 
sermon by the wayside. Among them was Squire 
Morgan. He immediately erected a family altar, and 
invited travelers to unite with him and his household 
in the worship of God. Morgan became a leading 
member in the church, and in 1833 he was a delegate 
to the Annual Conference in Cincinnati. 

Mr. Beeves, in his diary, holds the following lan- 
guage : u Ihad thought her transient visit would not 
be sufficiently profitable to compensate for the trouble 
and expense of the journey there and back, especially 
taking into the account the loss of labor on the circuit 
at the present time. But I am now of another mind, 
and am more fully established in the sentiment that 
God, in his Providence and grace, makes choice of 
means, agencies, and appliances, with suitable aclapta- 



172 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



tions to answer the end proposed. May we ever be found 
in our proper sphere and place of labor, that it may not 
be in vain in the Lord !" The hold that Mrs. Beeves 
had on the public heart in Newark is rather to be con- 
sidered a providential indication that she and her hus- 
band should have had that field of labor assigned them, 
instead of Youngstown circuit. It is not improbable 
that our failure as a church in Newark was caused by a 
crush on the heart of the people, sorely felt, when the 
lady preacher and her husband, by Conference action, 
were sent to another people, and not to them. Confer- 
ences may err, as well as individuals. 

On the 25th of May, these two laborers are found at 
Williamsfield, holding a two-days' meeting. In the 
commencement, the congregation was larger than was 
expected in such a time of rain. Mr. Keeves spoke 
first, and was brief, to give his wife an opportunity to 
exhort ; and he thought that she said more in her exhor- 
tation than he did in his preaching. The people seemed 
to be highly gratified. First, I suppose, because of the 
shortness of the sermon ; they wanted to hear the 
woman. And second, because of the rousing character 
of the lady's exhortation. In the evening the attendance 
was larger, when, notwithstanding Hannah's indisposi- 
tion, she ventured to go out and speak. She did this 
much to the edification of that large and attentive as- 
sembly. The love-feast on the following morning, being 
greatly crowded, that interesting means of grace could 
not be enjoyed by the friends of the Saviour according 
to their wishes. At eleven o'clock, Hannah again 
spoke, much to the astonishment and edification of a 
very large and respectable congregation. Here two 
things a little vexatious occurred. The palpable indif- 
ference of a prominent man in relation to a much 
needed collection for ministerial support ; and especially 



MRS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



173 



the neglect of the horses ; they had nothing to eat from 
mornino; till night.* 

At three o'clock there was a good sacramental meet- 
ing, and a few persons were admitted into the society. 
In the evening, the lady preacher came again to the 
stand, and gave general satisfaction to a large company 
of people. Indeed, the anxiety of the people to hear 
the word, and especially to hear Hannah, did seem to 
be largely on the increase. On the following day, an 
appointment for Mr. Eeeves to address the people in a 
private house, had been announced, and it had been 
intimated that probably his wife would give some ac- 
count of her religious experience. This intimation 
drew out again so large a concourse of people, that the 
house would not contain them. To meet the demands 
of the occasion, the barn was fitted up, and necessity 
was laid upon Hannah to preach. This she did with 
unusual effect. It was a time of penitential tears among 
sinners, and rejoicing among the children of G-ocl. 
Others came forward, and were admitted into the 
Church. This still further increased the joy of the 
Saviour's friends, and encouraged the laborers. Could 
this meeting have been protracted, it is believed that 
the results would have been valuable to the Church. 

After these exhausting labors, it was found that this 
good lady had need of a little rest and medical treat- 
ment. From this meeting they went to Brother Ken- 
ney's. Here the husband took the lead, and preached 
to a large and deeply interested congregation. But they 
were much more interested when Hannah delivered her 
message to them in the afternoon. Though much ex- 
hausted, she continued long, and her appeals were 

* This place was known to other ministers, as well as Mr. 
Reeves and his lady, to he in the habit of such neglects. To 
cut off ministerial support, and starve the preachers' horses, 
too. was no evidence of a high state of either civilization or 
religion. 

15* 



174 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



effective. The Lord gave these joint laborers souls for 
their hire. They passed on to Vienna, and on the 31st 
of May, the large concourse of people made it necessary 
for Hannah to stand in the door, as the men were on 
the outside of the house, and the women within. This 
was an unfavorable position for a preacher to be in, 
especially a female in feeble health. It did not admit 
of her doing justice to herself or her subject. Many a 
time has this writer been in a similar condition, and 
always found it a herculean task to preach under such 
circumstances. 

On the 8th of June, Mr. Beeves and his wife set out 
to assist Eev J. Clark at his quarterly meeting on Ohio 
Circuit. But their anticipated guides had become im- 
patient waiting for them, and had gone on. They fol- 
lowed after, but had great difficulty in finding the way. 
Here Mr. Beeves, in his diary, says of himself: "I 
confess, when we found ourselves left alone and out of 
the way, after awhile I became somewhat crabbed in 
spirit, and would have shaped our course for Steuben- 
ville, if Hannah had been willing ; but she was not. 
We arrived late, and much fatigued. " Even good men, 
under great provocations, sometimes feel a little " crab- 
bed, " and blessed is the man who has a wife of the right 
temper, gently to persuade him to persevere in the path 
of duty. There can be no doubt but Brother Beeves, 
when he reached Ohio circuit, felt the better for having 
followed the counsel of his wife. 

On the morning of the 9th, the quarterly meeting 
was commenced by Mr. Beeves, who preached to a 
large congregation, and had a refreshing season among 
the brethren. In the evening, the lady preacher came 
before the people, and had a crowded house. After a 
very profitable love-feast on the next morning, they 
went to a grove at eleven o'clock, for preaching. 
The multitude was very great. The Lord assisted 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



175 



Hannah in delivering her gospel message, and they 
had a profitable time. A sermon on the morning of 
the 11th by Mr. Reeves, and a few prayers, closed the 
meeting. They then turned homeward for their own 
field of labor, leaving a good state of religious feeling 
among the people on Ohio circuit. That day they 
dined with Dr. David Pearce, and on inquiry they 
found him to be Hannah's second cousin. To them it 
appeared a little remarkable that branches of the same 
family in England, long separated, should, in this 
apparently accidental way, meet together in America. 
After spending the night with one of the best of men, 
the Rev. J. Browning, they called at Steubenville. In 
that place they heard of the state of' affairs among our 
friends in Wheeling. Such was the impression made 
upon Hannah's mind, that she conditionally promised 
to assist them at their quarterly meeting, though their 
own quarterly meeting was to be at the same time on 
Youngstown circuit. So, after filling an appointment 
in Wellsville, she returned by stage to Steubenville, 
and went by a steamer to Wheeling, w T here her labors 
were greatly blessed of the Lord, and highly appreci- 
ated by the people. It was a remarkable time. Much 
good was done, and one brother, to evince his grati- 
tude, made her a present of twenty dollars. On her 
way back, she had a good meeting in Steubenville ; and 
when she rejoined her husband, he had great joy on 
learning the success of her visit to Wheeling, and she 
had* no less joy on being informed of the good that was 
done in her absence, at their own quarterly meeting. 
At first some had murmured because of her absence, 
but ultimately all worked well. God was there. Some 
found the pearl of great price, and the meeting termi- 
nated well. ie 
On the 5th of July, Mr. Reeves makes the following 
record in his diary: " This evening is the first anni- 



176 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



versary of that solemn, important, auspicious, and 
happy hour when Hannah and I plighted the vows of 
our matrimonial union." This was. to each of them, 
a time of reflection. Happy union of matrimonial 
affection throughout the year ! United labor in the 
vineyard of the Lord ! Mutual sympathy in each 
other's joys and sorrows, and a joint expectation of 
the heavenly inheritance ! The solitary lonehne-s of 
single life has nothing in it comparable to the blessings 
found in a true Christian marriage union. 

On the 8th, a two days* meeting was commenced at 
Brother Webb's. They had a precious season in the 
love-feast, which immediately followed the Lord's 
Supper. Hannah attempted to speak early in the 
meeting, but others had the foreway. TT hem at last, 
she got the opportunity, her cup of joy overflowed, and 
she fell back, partly into a sister's lap. and partly on a 
bench. In that condition she gave vent to the exube- 
rant feelings of her heart in joyous exclamations of 
praise to God. When the zenith of her rapture mea- 
surably declined, and her physical energy came again, 
she arose and gave in her experience in a very affect- 
ing manner. She seemed, like St. Paul, to be in a 
strait betwixt two. having a desire to depart and be 
with Christ. &c. Others caught the spirit, and re- 
joiced aloud. The love-feast closed, and after a short 
intermission Hannah spoke again to the people. The 
congregation gaye good attention to the word. It 
seemed to please some of them very well, especially 
the Friends. In the evening Eev. C. Murray, a warm- 
hearted preacher, spoke to the people. He exhorted 
them, in conclusion, to retire and pray, and so they 
did. Just as Mr. Beeves and his lady were retiring to 
rest, about half a mile from them, a brother, on going- 
out of the house, heard the noise of a shout in the 
camp of Israel, and Brother Murray singing and re- 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



Ill 



joicing aloud. Mr. Reeves and several others returned 
to the place of meeting, instead of going to bed, and 
found one young woman in a motionless condition. 
There was an utter failure in all her physical energies. 
There she lay, sustained by several of the sisters. And 
there, too, was another sister, with a full cup, shouting 
aloud the praises of God. Indeed, like David, she 
literally praised him in the dance, as well as with her 
lips. After spending some time visiting in the neighbor- 
hood, among the Quakers and others, conversing on 
the subject of religion, and praying with the families, 
they went on to another department of their work. 

In Youngstown a two days' meeting had been ap- 
pointed at the request of the people, expecting a very 
popular preacher from Pittsburg, who had promised to 
come, but failed to be there. Many had come from a 
distance ; their disappointment was great, and nothing 
would satisfy that disappointed congregation but the 
"woman." And to gratify the people, Mr. Reeves 
says in his diary: "I foolishly urged my wife to take 
two appointments, both the morning and the evening 
services, knowing her to be in a very delicate state of 
health. She did so, but it nearly cost her her life. She 
was brought to the grave's mouth with scarcely any 
hope of her recovery ; and the agony of mind I endured 
from the reflection of my imprudence, no tongue can 
tell. The exercises of my mind, and the prayers and 
cries to G-od to save her life, and forgive my trespass, 
no pen can describe. My motive was pure, but the 
action was wrong in the exteme. I am astonished at 
myself." 

Here is an honest confession of a very candid Chris- 
tian minister of unintentional wrong done by him to 
his beloved wife. With full " knowledge of her very 
delicate state of health" he "urged her to take two 
appointments," and great afflictions followed. Query — 



178 THE LADY PREACHER: 

Was not this Christian lady to blame for undertaking 
the two appointments, at the urgent request of the 
people or her husband ? She certainly knew her own 
condition better than any one else possibly could. Let 
the blame, then, be divided between all the parties con- 
cerned; impartial justice seems to require this. Mr. 
Beeves, in his narrative, goes on to say : "Nor was this 
all. As if I were possessed of the spirit of imprudence, 
I yielded to the clamors of the people for another 
physician, without consulting the one we had, whom I 
regarded as the best in the land, and in this thing I did 
not consult my wife." This turned out to be a very 
grave error. Mr. Beeves, being worn out with watch- 
ing, was trying to get a little sleep. The young ladies 
on duty suffered the strange doctor to enter the wrong 
room, who, as he came in, bawled out aloud, " Where 
is the sick woman?" Hannah had just fallen into a 
sound sleep. The doctor's rough voice waked her up, 
most terribly frightened ; her nervous system gave way 
to such an extent that it was feared death would im- 
mediately ensue. She then said to her husband, in 
tones that greatly affected his heart, "I shall die! I 
shall die ! I do think I shall die. But I forgive you." 
She continued in that state for some time, and fearing 
that another opportunity would not occur to give her 
husband her last charge, she requested those present to 
withdraw. Then followed a melting scene — as was 
supposed, a parting scene — with none but G-od to bear 
witness of its tenderness. Yet here, according to her 
husband's statement, from whom all these facts come, 
"She was more composed than could have been ex- 
pected." And her last wishes were worthy of her 
truly Christian character. One thing she deprecated, 
namely, that although she freely forgave her husband's 
imprudence, yet that he would reflect on himself, or 
that others would reflect on him. And now she re- 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



179 



quired of him a promise that in case of her death, he 
would not reflect on himself, as what he had done had 
been meant for the best. She then called in her nearest 
friend present, to witness that she frankly forgave her 
husband, and hoped that no one would censure him. 
But so it was by the blessing of God, this Christian 
lady, now so near the gate of death, and so full of con- 
cern for the man of her choice, the love of whom 
brought her across the ocean, was brought back again 
into active life, to labor a while longer with her 
husband. 



CHAPTER XV. 

The camp-meeting at Boar dm an—The preaching— The work 
of the Lord — The accessions to the Church — The parting scene 
— The Conference in Pittsburg — Many kind remembrances to 
Hannah— They go back to Youngstown — Nobly go into the 
work for another year— To them a child is born, but soon 
taken away— They go to housekeeping in JBoardnian— Have 
kind neighbors— They attend Rev. Israel Thrap's two days' 
meeting at Williamsneld— Hannah is feeble, but acquits her- 
self well— She does the same in Pittsburg and Allegheny — 
She preaches at the Braddocksfield camp-meeting— A Scottish 
poet is moved to write — Her sickness in Cambridge — Her 
restoration— Her husband to blame. 

THE next place we find Mrs. Beeves is at the Board- 
man camp-meeting, September 2d. Mr. Reeves, 
in his diary, gives the following account of that meet- 
ing: "The weather was favorable, the congregation 
very respectable. The preaching was of a pointed 
character, and calculated to tell well upon the feelings 
of the hardest heart, especially one sermon by Brother 
George Brown. That was the most alarming discourse I 
have heard for a long time. I know not when as many 
tears have fallen from my eyes under a sermon as under 
that, and the impression made upon the congregation 



180 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



was very good. And to complete the scene, Hannah could 
not restrain her feelings, though she strove hard to do 
so, but came up into the stand before the close of the 
discourse, with a view to exhort. Accordingly, she 
followed Brother Brown in a pathetic exhortation, 
which was well received. It was remarkable to see the 
people pressing in as close as they could get to the 
stand, the moment she commenced. In the evening 
we had a great number of mourners. The following 
morning twenty-two joined the Society, and we had a 
precious season at parting."* 

On the 16th of September, Mr. Eeeves and his wife 
started to Conference in Pittsburg. While at Conference 
many kind remembrances were communicated to Han- 
nah, by the preachers and delegates, from those who 
had been converted under her ministry, in the vicinity 
of Zanesville, Newark, and other places in Ohio, es- 
pecially from the Morgan family. All this went to 
encourage this good sister to persevere in the work of 
faith and labor of love to which she had been called by 
the Lord Jesus Christ, in a distant land. 

From the Conference in Pittsburg, in September, 
1832, these co-laborers were reappointed to the Youngs- 
town circuit for another year ; and on returning home 
to prepare for new efforts to extend the Kedeemer's 
kingdom, they were much encouraged to go forth with 
renewed energy, by information received from a brother 
concerning the good done in his family at a camp-meet- 
ing on the Kev. W. B. Evans' circuit, under Hannah's 
ministrations, more than one year ago. He likewise 

* And here it may be added by the writer, over his own name: 
When I was closing the sermon alluded to, I saw from the blaze 
of Hannah's eyes, as she came into the stand, that her whole 
soul was on fire. Her voice seemed feeble and trembling, but 
her exhortation Avas full of heavenly unction, and was very 
influential for good to the people. I remember the glorious 
work in the altar that night, where many sinners found the 
Saviour; and the tender parting scene the following morning 
O for another good camp-meeting.— Geo. Brown. 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. \§\ 

conveyed the information that a number of others in 
the same neighborhood, now happy subjects of saving 
grace, were the fruits of her labor of love. On receipt 
of this joyful information, her husband made the follow- 
ing entry in his diary : "I am almost involuntarily led 
to praise G-od for all his goodness to us, and to implore 
the prolongation of her life for future usefulness." 
!N"ow, while all heaven rejoices over one sinner that 
repenteth, why did our good Brother Reeves say of his 
praise to God, when sinners were converted through 
the instrumentality of his wife, that it was "almost 
involuntary." Certainly praise to G-od for favors re- 
ceived should be the free, or voluntary offerings of the 
heart. God made us free agents for the very purpose, 
that all our offerings to him might be voluntary. Con- 
strained offering implies a slavery of the mind and 
heart, which can not be pleasing to Him who requires 
us to render to our Maker a willing service. 

But Mrs. Beeves, in the order of Providence, was 
destined to be a mother. At the house of Brother 
Joseph Wells, in Wellsville, Ohio, on the morning of the 
22d of November, 1832, their first born, a virgin rose 
of beauteous promise, made its appearance for a short 
time. This infant stranger excited parental hopes of 
witnessing floral developments ; but soon, alas ! and 
suddenly, it was transplanted to blossom in perennial 
purity in the paradise of God. The maternal stem from 
which this tender offshoot was taken, gave indications 
to her much concerned husband and friends, that she 
was about to follow her lovely babe to the spirit land. 
But God, in mercy to him, and for the Church's benefit, 
raised her up, and spared her a while longer to labor 
in the Master's vineayrd. 

In the month of February, 1833, they commenced 
housekeeping in Boardman, Trumbull county, Ohio. 
They began in a small way, occupying but one room in 
16 



182 



THE LADY PRE A CHER: 



the house of Mr. John Henry, whose lady was a true- 
hearted Presbj'terian and very kind Christian lady. 
The first morning they expected to have had the first 
meal of their own ; but kind sister Henry, knowing that 
they had not yet the necessary cooking utensils, pre- 
pared and brought in their breakfast to them. In this 
place they had many kind friends, many good meetings, 
and learned by experience the old proverb that "A 
home is a home, if it is ever so homely." The}' were 
truly happy and contented to keep house in one room ! 
True Christian humility is willing to take the lowest 
seat, and to commence life at the foot of the hill. " For 
God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the hum- 
ble," and "exalteth them in due time." 

Some time after they commenced housekeeping, 
several ladies, of the first social position in the place, 
came to spend the evening and take tea with them. 
Ostensibly their motives were pure, and their intentions 
were kind ; but designedly they were on a visit of ob- 
servation, and instruction. From Hannah's long con- 
tinued devotion to preaching, and the study of the Holy 
Scriptures, they supposed that she knew but little of the 
duties of a housewife, and they took that method to 
ascertain the facts in the case, with a view to impart 
instruction, should it be deemed necessary. In due 
time, in that one room, which served as dormitory, 
parlor, dining-room, and kitchen, they were all sea ted 
at the table. "When God's blessing was invoked, the 
company commenced to partake of the bounties of 
God's providence. Soon Hannah's observing eye no- 
ticed an exchange of smiles among the ladies. These 
ladies, on perceiving that their significant smiles were 
observed, disclosed the secret design of their visit on 
that occasion. Hannah, not catching their design fully, 
supposed that the smile was caused by the comparative 
scantiness of the fare, and with a pleasant smile, said : 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



183 



" Ladies, you must not expect, when you visit me, to 
have a table spread as bountifully as I shall expect when 
I visit you. Methodist preachers, who live principally 
on the tips of the poor, cannot compare with the pro- 
duct of your superabundance. " They then assured her 
that the smile was not called forth by the cause which 
she suspe.cted, but by their pleasurable disappointment. 
They then inquired, "Mrs. Beeves, did you make these 
rusks ?" "I did ' ' was the reply. ' £ Did you make this 
article, and prepare the other dish ?" In every case 
an affirmative answer was given. "Then," said they, 
"you need no instruction from us." "Ladies," re- 
joined Hannah, "if you have any valuable recipes, I 
will be thankful for them ; if you have any informa- 
mation to impart of a culinary character, it will 
be gratefully accepted." And so, very pleasantly, the 
time was spent, and the visit was mutually agreeable. 

These ladies became the fast friends of their new 
neighbors in their humble dwelling place, while they 
remained in Boardman ; and one of them, whose resi- 
dence was near at hand, was exceedingly kind. When 
she ascertained that small favors were thankfully re- 
ceived, she often sent little presents for the table. These 
from her, and similar tokens of kind regard from others, 
amounted, in the end, to something considerable, for 
Mr. Beeves says in his diary: "It will sound strange 
for me to say, that our postal expenses that year 
equalled, if not exceeded, the cost of our table." 

I have deemed it due to our departed sister Beeves, 
not only to bring to notice her public life, as a teacher 
of the Christian religion, but. as opportunity may offer, 
to show her as she realty was at home, in private and 
domestic life, a lady of good social qualities, good 
economy, of industrious habits, and an excellent house- 
keeper. The foregoing notice of her humble outset in 
domestic matters will go far to show all this, and as we 



184 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



progress, her home qualities will be more fully devel- 
oped. 

Mrs. Beeves and her husband next attended Be v. 
Israel Thrap's two-days' meeting at Williamsfield, 
which was commenced on the 4th of May, in a barn. 
On the following morning, they had a good love-feast, 
which was somewhat annoyed by the crowd of specta- 
tors, who had come to hear the lady preacher. At 
eleven o'clock, weak and worn as she was from travel, 
she took the stand. Most of the people present had 
heard her the preceding year, and public expectation 
was high. That was a time of need to her. The Lord 
granted her help from heaven that day. Her prayer 
was long and fervent, and she preached about one full 
hour, with great energy, and much to the astonishment 
of all, especially those who knew the feebleness of her 
health at the time of commencing service. God alone 
could sustain her feeble frame under the toils of that 
day. 

By special request, Hannah visited Pittsburg and 
Allegheny town (now a city), and preached frequently 
in both places. Her husband was no little concerned 
for her success at that time, as a very talented lady 
preacher had recently preached in those cities, and by 
her objectionable singularities had excited the opposi- 
tion of one of our most able ministers, who had written 
an article for our Baltimore periodical unfriendly to 
female preaching, and deprecating their public exercises 
becoming a peculiarity in the M. P. Church. It was, 
therefore, a marvel with some, when that same minister 
heartily concurred in the arrangement made by the 
brethren for Hannah to assist him in the dedication of 
the new meeting house on Fifth street, Pittsburg, May 
26th, 1833. B e v. Asa Shinn preached the dedicatory 
sermon in his usual style of argument, eloquence, and 
power, to a great gathering of the people. Mrs. Keeves 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. 185 

preached in the afternoon, and, it is said, had a larger 
congregation than Mr. Shinn. It was a memorable time. 
If this case is judged of by popular excitement, novelty, 
on that occasion, rather carried olf the palm from great 
and splendid talents. 

This meeting was continued some time. On the 5th 
of June, Hannah was called into service again, had a 
large, attentive audience, to whom general satisfaction, 
it is believed, was given. And on the evening of the 
9th of June, to her was given the honor of preaching 
the first sermon in the main audience room of that new 
church, after those splendid chandeliers and lamps, pur- 
chased in Philadelphia, were introduced and lighted up. 
This was before the days of gas. The sight was truly 
grand and imposing, and constituted quite an event. 
The concourse of people was very large. The galleries, 
aisles, and altar all were crowded with eager, intelligent 
countenances, and it was supposed by the best judges 
that no church in the city, or in the land, had a better 
illumination. Mr. Reeves says, in his diary : " Before 
I arose to give out the introductory hymn, I looked 
over that mass of mind, and secretly rejoiced that I had 
not to preach on that occasion, and trembled for Han- 
nah, whose nerves, however, appeared as firm as on an 
ordinary occasion. She had a troublesome cough, and 
I could but pray God to strengthen and assist her, that 
she might not fail." It is believed that an unction from 
the Holy One attended that sermon, and that good was 
done, in the name of the Saviour of sinners. An ex- 
hortation was attempted by a ministerial brother, but 
the lady preacher had been heard ; curiosity was satis- 
fied ; no exhortation would be heard, and most of the 
people withdrew. A prayer-meeting was held by those 
who remained, for several penitents who came to the 
altar of prayer. 

After this came two love-feasts, one in the new 
16* 



186 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



church in Pittsburg, June 10th, largely attended, and 
a refreshing time; the other in Allegheny the night 
following ; this, too, was good. In this place, at the 
earnest solicitation of friends, Hannah agreed to tarry 
and preach on the evening of June 12th. Brother 
Reeves, in his diary, makes this entry: u This was 
decidedly the best meeting of the whole week. The 
power of God was evidently felt and enjoyed among the 
friends and brethren generally. Hannah and I received 
at Pittsburg, during this visit, presents to the amount 
of upwards of forty dollars. O, may the people be 
amply rewarded for their kindness !" 

In the great lawsuit in Pittsburg, in which the M. E. 
Church aimed to eject the old Reformers from the 
church property held by them under a charter, and had 
entirely failed, and the plaintiffs had suffered no little 
mortification at their defeat, and the Reformers had 
generously proposed that each party should choose a 
committee of three, and that these six men, in com- 
mittee of the whole, should act for the parties concerned, 
and -equally divide the property between them. It 
came to pass in this division, that the Smithfield meet- 
ing-house fell to the M. E. Church, by the free and 
full consent of our friends. We had occupied it from 
the beginning. It was tire battle ground of ecclesiastical 
freedom. But now the time had come to evacuate this 
old fort, and turn it over in peace to those who had lost 
it in war. This act, however, was to be clone with all 
due formalities and ceremonies. Rev. C. Springer, 
superintendent of the Pittsburg station of the M. P. 
Church, selected Mrs. Reeves to preach the valedictory 
sermon in that somewhat celebrated sanctuary, before 
a final leave was taken of it by our brethren. It was 
said by the brethren to have been a memorable time 
The text selected, and the discourse delivered by this 
lady preacher, were regarded by the old Reformers, 



MBS. HA XX AH REEVES. 



187 



now about to leave the house, as being, in the fullest 
sense of the word, appropriate to such an occasion. 

Shortly after the foregoing occurrence, these two co- 
laborers attended a camp-meeting at Braddocksfield. 
The brethren had borrowed the soldiers' tents from the 
Arsenal. It was a truly blessed and memorable meet- 
ing. Hannah preached on the occasion. The effect of 
her discourse may be judged of by the impression pro- 
duced upon the English, niany of whom were born in 
Colchester Barracks, in the coiint}^ Essex, near London. 
A Scottish poet who was present, afterwards penned 
the following lines, commemorative of the occasion: 

Go on, "brave herald of the cross, go on ! 
Sound free salvation with thy fluent tongne, 
While listening thousands catch its sweetest strain, 
And feel and own the power of Jesus' matchless name. 

ZNIay conviction, sent "by thee, with ready aim, 

Pierce the dark sonl of guilt and there remain, 

Till He who died, with healing hands applied 

The "balm of saving grace from His own wounded side. 

Then shaU strange visions ope upon the sight 

Of gloomy doubt, and spread its fears to flight; 

O, glorious vision of redeeming love, 

That "bursts the night of sin, and draws the soul above! 

When thou beneath the load of toil shalt bend, 
In publishing the sinner's ardent friend, 
Stretch forth thy hand of faith when sinking faint, 
Lay hold on strength Divine, thy staff Omnipotent, 

Where thou mayst rest secure and stronger grow, 
Like the weak vine, and teem thy fruits below 
On souls who seek the precious words of life, 
Fresh from thy hallOAved lips, ambassador of Christ ; 

And thy tottering frame with vigor be renewed, 

And thy rapt soul abundantly endued 

With higher grace, by Jesus freely given, 

You taste the joys of earth, made sweet with joys of heaven. 



188 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



And thou must lay thy tabernacle down 
Beneath the covert of the safe-locked tomb, 
Like some old garb, too little and much worn, 
For thy big-growing soul, till resurrection morn, 

When Christ shall make and put it on again, 
Sparkling with gems above all mortal name; 
Then I'll no more thy soaring glory see, 
So near thy Saviour placed, and distant far from me. 

In their trip to the Conference in Cincinnati, im- 
mediately after the camp-meeting, there are some things 
worthy of note. They started in rather an inferior 
buggy, with a calash top, aiming to be in Cambridge, 
Ohio, by the Sabbath, where a two days' meeting had 
been appointed to secure the services of the preachers, 
on their way to Conference, who might desire to rest 
there over Sunday. They were expected in Cambridge, 
so they declined an invitation to spend the Sabbath in 
Steubenville, and traveled all day on Saturday through 
a steady, drifting rain, on the National road, facing the 
storm, and being poorly sheltered, they became very 
wet. Fatigued and feeble in health as Hannah was, 
she yielded, as usual, to the wishes of the friends, and 
preached on the Sabbath, to the no small gratification 
of the people. And now Brother Beeves' diary shall 
tell the rest. "But it was in cholera times, and the 
well-water of Cambridge had a bad effect upon her 
stomach, and threw her into a violent attack of real 
Asiatic cholera. A physician of the old Allopathic 
school was called in before daylight, who did his utmost 
to check the ravages of the direful disease, but could 
not, and by eight or nine o'clock in the morning she 
was at death's door! The doctor left her evidently in " 
despair, while the ladies who were watching her, ex- 
pected soon the scene would close. At this critical 
juncture, a good sister, a disciple of the medical re- 
former, S. Thompson, whispered to some ladies close 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



189 



by, ' What a pity that Sister Eeeves had not taken some 
of Thompson's cholera syrup!' Quick as thought my 
ears caught the sound, and like a drowning man, who 
will catch at a straw, instantly I inquired what it was, 
and proposed, as the dernier resort, to try it. But the 
ladies thought she was too low to take medicine, 
especially so strong and hot as that was. I replied, if 
Hannah was willing to try it, I would run the risk. 
And low as she was, I made known to her the proposi- 
tion, and she signified her approval. With this new 
hope, forthwith the ladies' went to work applying hot 
rocks, &c, to her feet, and one was despatched for the 
syrup. They commenced by giving her small doses, 
increased as she was able to bear it. And to the glad 
astonishment of all but the physician, she commenced 
to recover. The doctor, apparently, would rather she 
had died than to be cured by what he called c quack 
medicine. ' Alas ! such is man. Of course his bill was 
cheerfully cancelled. 

" And now I have to record another instance of my 
zealous folly. I am ashamed and astonished that any 
man in his sober senses could do such a thing. Kext 
morning, as she was still better, I left her, and started 
on horseback to Conference. As if all would come to 
naught if I were not there. Such seemed to be the 
language of rAy actions, though not of my words. And 
to encourage me to do so, Hannah dressed herself and 
sat up. But the house being new, and the walls re- 
cently plastered, together with her imprudent haste in 
sitting up, the next night she had a relapse of the 
cholera, and she was soon, if possible, lower than before, 
and I was a day's ride toward Cincinnati. Brother 
Ragan, who was behind our company, called that day, 
and found her in that state of relapse and danger/ But 
blessed be God the same remedies again removed the 
dreadful disorder, and she again recovered. But when, 



190 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



in Cincinnati, I heard from Brother Eagan of her 
relapse, and how low she was when he left her, who can 
imagine my grief, regret, and shame ?" 

I shall make a still further use, in this connection, of 
Brother Reeves' diaiy. What I quote he must have 
obtained from others, for he was then in Cincinnati. 
u Hannah remained in Cambridge ; and it being court 
week, many people were in from the country, and it 
soon became noised abroad that she was in town, and 
then arose a general desire to hear her preach. And 
true to her religious nature, she consented. The ap- 
pointment was accordingly published, if I mistake not, 
from the judge's bench and the excitement to hear her 
preach became intense. But as if, as the ancients would 
sajr, the fates were against her, the day of the appoint- 
ment she had promised to visit a lady, and she wore 
thin shoes : her feet became damp, which brought on a 
third attack of the cholera. As the severe pains admon- 
ished her of the near approach of that feU malady, she 
hastened to the house of father Sarehet — a good old 
religious and philosophical patriarch, and a warm friend 
and advocate of mutual rights, and informed the family 
of her condition, and requesting to retire to bed, direct- 
ed them what to do for her. Evening was approach- 
ing, and the anxiety of the friends, fearing a disap- 
pointment, and deprecating its effects, was^great indeed. 
Hannah, however, remained calm, though, of course, 
very weak. She said she would try to go to sleep 
awhile, and gave directions to a young woman to wake 
her up at the ringing of the first bell, and requested a 
cup of strong tea to be in readiness, and a good lire in 
the room. Of course this was all in readiness at the 
time, and she determined to endeavor to fill the appoint- 
ment. She did fill it, but was so feeble that she had to 
lean upon the arms of two friends as she walked to the 
meeting-house with her pattens on. Others would have 



MRS. HA NN AH REEVES. 



191 



offered the first prayer for her, but, if possible, she 
always preferred praying first herself. To test her 
strength, she arose and gave out the first hymn ; and 
encouraged by her success in that, she ventured to 
pray, and was very fervent in devotion ; and she finally 
preached a full hour, to the great astonishment and 
edification of the people ! On returning home, father 
Sarehet, who was truly delighted with the discourse, as 
well as gratified at the success, humorously said : 4 Well, I 
have heard of people killing two birds with one stone, 
but he has killed three, 5 referring to the crowd of mixed 
people present, citizens, strangers, lawyers, and at least 
one judge ; and all appeared fco be pleased and profited. 
Father Sarehet, and his wife, a precious Christian lady, 
spake the French language, and were but imperfectly 
acquainted with the English. They invariably used the 
wrong personal pronoun, and hence called Hannah 
'he.'" 

In this long quotation, it will be seen that, in one 
instance, Hannah's imprudence is admitted by her hus- 
band. He also reproaches himself for his own " zealous 
folly" in leaving his wife, not half recovered from 
cholera, to attend Conference in Cincinnati. And were 
not all concerned in drawing that lady out to preach in 
her feeble state of health, very much to blame ? How 
amazingly crazy is popular curiosity ! Hannah should 
not have gratified it, at the risk of her life. But such 
was her desire to do good, that she would risk even her 
life itself, in an effort to save sinners. 

From Cambridge she went on to Zanesville, to await 
the arrival of her husband from Conference. There 
she met with Squire Morgan, who, with many others, 
had been brought to Christ at the time she preached in 
his barn, some eighteen months before, lie had become 
a man of note in the church, a chosen delegate to the 
Conference in Cincinnati, and was now on his return 



192 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



home. This was the first time she had seen him since 
he embraced religion, and their meeting was one of 
mutual joy. Hannah Reeves had many spiritual chil- 
dren in the Church upon earth, and there will be great 
joy when they all meet together in heaven. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

In 1833, the Conference appointed them to Warren svllle Circuit 
—Their hardships— The people they went to — The JBoardman 
friends they left — A Universalis! converted — A drunkard re- 
formed—In their new appointment — Hannah's good standing 
with the people— Her husband's not so good — Country new — 
The people generally poor— Ministerial support very lean— A 
son horn to them— Her labors on the circuit— A narrow escape 
— A good revival at Auburn — Many conversions — A Univer- 
salist converted — He proved faithful — They were next in 
Wheeling Station — In this place Mrs. Reeves was useful in 
every possible way— She labored much in other places, in 
some instances at a distance — Her management of children — 
Her regret for the old family horse— A regular progressive 
revival during the winter — Some remarkable cases, espe- 
cially one young man. 

THIS year, from the Conference in Cincinnati, in 
1833, they were appointed to Warrensville cir- 
cuit. This was a hard circuit to travel. It ranged 
through Cuyahoga and Geauga counties, and dipped a 
little into Medina. Over this territory they traveled 
every two weeks. This was a newly settled region, and 
the roads, in the winter season and spring, were bad 
indeed. Being too poor to stop at taverns, and with no 
friends to give them a meal, often they had to travel all 
day, without stopping to feed the horses, or refresh 
themselves. Not only were the roads almost impassa- 
bly bad in winter, but the . Lake winds so piercingly 
took the traveler that he sometimes came near the 
freezing point. 
The people among whom they were sent to labor 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



193 



were not originally Methodist Protestants. They be- 
longed, at first, to the Reformed Methodists of the State 
of New York. Being in agreement with the M. P. 
Church in doctrine and discipline, they made overtures 
to the Pittsburg Conference for annexation to our body, 
and were received. To this field of labor they were 
appointed, in due time, after the annexation, 

On leaving Boardman, they had a very affectionate 
farewell with their kind friends in that place — not only 
with Mr. and Mrs. Henry, but also with others, espe- 
cially Mrs. Cook, a near neighbor and a very kind 
friend. She loaded them with presents, and the Lord 
rewarded her. When they went to Boardman to 
reside, this lady was a Universalist in doctrinal belief. 
Hannah, knowing that fact, was very guarded in her 
religious conversation, especially at first; and when 
the topic was introduced, she took care invariably to 
enlarge on the benevolence of the Deity. This course 
disarmed Mrs. Cook's criticism and won upon her 
heart. When she was sick, Hannah would sit by her 
side, watching the progress of the disease, and attend- 
ing to her wants; and as opportunity offered, she 
would season the conversation with vital Christianity, 
always exhibiting the amiableness of the blessed Sa- 
viour, and the consolations of his grace and love, all of 
which was in accordance with her own happy experi- 
ence. This course not only won her esteem and con- 
fidence, but it prepared the way for her to become a 
true disciple of Christ. Not long after they left for 
their new field of labor, at a protracted meeting held 
by the M. E. Church, this Universalist lady was 
soundly converted to God. When Hannah returned 
on a visit to the neighborhood, she and this new con- 
vert had a joyful meeting, for now it was no longer 
Mrs. Cook, but Sister Cook, she happily said. This 
lady said, in referring to Hannah's course with her, 
17 



194 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



44 You said just enough to touch the right chord, in 
your religious conversation with me." 

That kind-hearted Mr. Henry also deserves notice. 
He had a besetting sin, so common to men of free 
social natures. He was brought not only to sign the 
temperance pledge, which he did on Sunday morning, 
but likewise to become a decided disciple of the Saviour 
of sinners. He was in the habit of taking occasional 
"sprees," and let him commence on what day of the 
week he might, he would continue till Saturday even- 
ing. But from his great regard for his wife, who was 
a strict Presbyterian, and scrupulous of Sabbath observ- 
ances, he would never break in on that sacred day. 
And when he would come home in a helpless condition , 
she would assist him in alighting from his horse, lead 
him into the house, warm, and wash him ; put away 
his horse, and express words of pity for her husband ; 
say he must be hungry, and- seat him at the table 
already prepared for his coming. Even then he, though 
a drunkard, could not forget that his wife was a Chris- 
tian, and would pause before eating and say, after a 
drunken fashion, " Nancy, please ask a blessing." 
And when he had eaten, she would undress him and 
put him to bed like a child, and leave him there with 
words of kindness. He was a weaver by trade, and in 
the winter would have his loom in the house, the sitting 
and dining-room being all the same. Here Hannah 
would watch for opportunities to talk to him. Here 
was an undertaking that called into action all her 
powers of faith, and conversation, and prayer. He 
would stop throwing the shuttle and listen to her, and 
confess his error, and thank her for her affectionate 
faithfulness. Eventually, one Sabbath morning, after 
a spree, he rose early and started bare-headed to Poland, 
over a mile off, and called up Mr. Adair, and signed 
the pledge. His wife knew nothing of this, and when 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 195 

the breakfast was ready, she waited long for him, and 
becoming uneasy in mind, she went out into their little 
meadow in search for him. Ultimately home he came, 
but said nothing as to what he had done. It was kept 
secret for some time, fearing he would relapse. But he 
stood firm, and finally became a decided Christian, and 
joined, with his wife, the Free Presbyterian church, 
some distance off, and finally died in the Lord. And 
so it did appear that, by the blessing of the Lord on 
the kindness of his faithful wife, and the affectionate 
appeals of Mrs. Keeves, he was not only rescued from 
a drunkard's grave and final perdition, but also saved 
into the paradise of Grod, where it is confidently believed 
they all are to-day enjoying together the happiness of 
heaven. 

But to return from this digression, where love delights 
to linger. Hard, indeed, was their new appointment 
for the preachers. Hannah performed her part of the 
work, and did it well. She preached much out on the 
circuit, and with considerable success. But as we wish 
to let her appear in every phase of her character, it 
may be well to notice her as an economist. Before 
doing this, however, it may be observed that different 
as was the society from that at Youngstown, she made 
herself as much at home, and as well pleased, as under 
more favorable circumstances and in more congenial 
society ; so that among the people she became at once 
not only the better half, but also the most acceptable 
preacher. Her husband at first, in some places, at 
least, was not very popular as a preacher. He preached 
too high, put the fodder in the rack too high for the 
sheep; he wore whiskers, and his coat was too fine; 
and worse yet, he sang bass, and that over the mourn- 
ers ! and that was not to be endured. Finding all this to 
be in his way, he determined, like St. Paul, to become, 
to some extent, at least, "all things to all men." So 



196 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



he changed "both his manner of preaching and his cos- 
tume. He shaved off his whiskers and purchased a 
coarse cloth coat, to accommodate his people, that he 
might be able to do them good, while his wife was the 
same sedate, cheerful, dignified, and affable Christian 
woman. The Lord was with her in all her ministra- 
tions, and she was popular among the people through- 
out the year. 

It has already been noticed that the country was new, 
and mainly settled by people from ]STew York and other 
Eastern States. These people had expended nearly all 
their means in the purchase of land, and both meat and 
money were scarce indeed.' Before these new farms 
could produce their fruits, these laborious beginners 
could furnish their tables with but little flesh ; so for 
months theirs was chiefly a vegetable diet, and that from 
necessity, not choice ; even the women, who worked 
hard, craved more substantial food. Pious and liberal 
spirited as many of them were, their contributions for 
the support of their pastor were consequently small. 
\ One hundred dollars and five cents, it appears, was all 

the salary the minister received for a hard year's labor, 
and the greater part of that was in trade, not in money. 
And this same year the pastor's family increased one- 
third, by the providential gift of their first-born son. 
And the little welcome stranger made his appearance in 
a log cabin in the wilderness, erected in part by the 
pastor's own hands, though unaccustomed to that 
species of mechanical handicraft. They were often 
visited in this new abode by squirrels and snakes, new 
neighbors to them. Yet with all this hard toil and 
scanty fare, the shepherd's family were satisfied to live 
on the same supply as did the flock. Sometimes friends 
would inquire of Mrs. Eeeves how she could live on the 
pittance they received, and she would humorously reply, 
that she would pour hot water several times on the same 



MBS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



197 



old tea leaves, and call it tea. Their determination, 
from the first, was never to go in debt, save for "food 
and medicine." They resolved at every sacrifice to 
live, if at all practicable, within their income, be it ever 
so small, and they actually saved ten dollars that year, 
out of the one hundred, and lent it to a brother to pur- 
chase a cow for his family. 

Under these trying circumstances, Hannah was cheer- 
ful and happy in the work of G-od, and labored hard 
with her husband, not only in the social means, and 
privately, but also in public. Her surviving husband 
reports a very narrow escape, about this time, of both 
the mother and the child from injury or death. They 
were traveling to an appointment in a little wagon ; the 
harness was poor, and as they were descending a long 
and steep hill, the hold-back strap broke, the horse be- 
came frightened, and the dear little child was thrown 
out of the carriage, but not seriously injured. Such 
was the goodness of God. It does seem marvelous that 
mother, and child, and driver were not all killed, or 
their bones broken, in this down hill run of a frightened 
horse. But not in the least discouraged, so soon as the 
harness could be fixed, on they went, and she preached 
as if nothing had occurred to disturb her mind. 

After all, this was a successful year, in some places, 
at least. At a quarterly meeting in Auburn, the Lord 
was powerfully among the people to bless them. The 
roads being almost impassable, but few from a distance 
attended ; yet from the immediate vicinity the people 
turned out well. At the commencement, the prospect 
looked fair for a failure. But earnest prayer had been 
offered up to God. On the Sabbath, these co-laborers 
had a blessed day among the people. There were many 
seekers of salvation, among them a very stout man, a 
Universalist in belief, who took the paper of that de- 
nomination, and posted himself in the controversv with 
16* 



198 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



the orthodox denominations, and was feared in argu- 
ment by his neighbors. In the love-feast, several friends 
had expressed their surprise at the unexpected revival, 
when a dear, pious old lady, mother Hoard, arose and 
said : u You all seem to be astonished at this work of 
God. I am not, for lately, according to my custom, I 
went out into the woods to pray, but the Lord would 
not let me pray for myself alone. He said, Pray for that 
neighbor of yours. I did so;" and pointing with her 
finger, she added, u there he is. And then I had to pray 
for another family ; and there they are. And then an- 
other, and there are more to come." And they did 
come. In this case, as in others without number, the 
effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous woman availed 
much. 

Most of the penitents at the altar of prayer found all 
joy and peace in believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, 
and were made abundantly happy. But the -strong 
man, the Universalist, whose bad doctrines had done 
much mischief in the community, had a hard struggle, 
and was not yet comforted. This is a common case ; 
great ringleaders in delusion, persecution and wicked- 
ness, often pass through a long course of mental anguish 
in " entering in at the strait gate ;" witness the case of 
Saul, when he became a Christian. But at a social 
prayer-meeting at a private house, one evening that 
week, the power of Grod was present to heal, and several 
seekers were so abundantly blessed that they swooned 
away and became as dead men, and were in that condi- 
tion for some time. About this time the Universalist 
seeker, being in great earnest, in the anguish of his 
soul finally gave up all his preconceived opinions, and 
cast himself on Christ alone for redemption, and in that 
moment the Comforter came, his cup was full, and he 
shouted aloud the praises of the Lord. On looking 
round, and observing several stretched out like corpses, 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 199 

and lying on beds, he instantly fell down on his knees 
again, and besought God to " give him the balance and 
lay him out too." And sure enough, in a few minutes 
he too became like a dead man, as rigid as any of them, 
and had to be lifted like a log ! The others had not 
desired this helpless condition ; this man did, and God 
gave him the wish of his heart in answer to his prayer, 
to demonstrate the work of his grace. 

But perhaps some doubting Didynius will inquire, 
"Was this really a work of the Spirit of G-od? and did 
this man hold out faithful?" He certainly was a 
changed man ; he did prove faithful. He soon became 
the leader in singing the public praises of God, and 
ultimately entered the regular ministry among the Free- 
will Baptists, and for aught the Writer knows, is on the 
walls of Zion to this day. Xo document in my posses- 
sion has given Hannah any conspicuous part in this 
last mentioned meeting. But, doubtless, she was in 
the heat of the battle aU the time. Where else could she 
be? 

The next year, 1834, they were appointed to Wheel- 
ing station. Mr. Beeves had been greatly exposed on 
his former field of labor, and his rugged constitution 
was seriously shattered. He was attacked by a malady 
which threatened to prove fatal, and the Annual Con- 
ference deemed it proper to give him an easier appoint- 
ment for a time. It being just after the cholera had 
visited that city, the smoky atmosphere, being impure, 
was not healthy to him. The labors of the year were 
commenced with spirit and vigor, and some success 
attended the toil. The society was small, and. of course, 
was not equal in influence to larger and older churches ; 
yet in that city there were some very valuable members. 
The original cause of the feebleness of our community 
in Wheeling, is given in the "Kecollections of Itinerant 
Life," by the writer of this present work. Though 



200 



THE LADY PREACHER. 



Hannah was able and willing to labor publicly, yet as 
her husband was at home statedly, her services were 
less frequently called into requisition than they were 
on a circuit. Still she labored privately and socially, 
and did what good she could, in a variety of ways. And 
upon the whole, she preached, if not regularly in 
"Wheeling, yet considerably, and was made a blessing 
among the people of that place. Besides her labors in 
the city, she would take occasional excursions into the 
country, and endeavor to do something for Christ there. 
In looking over her text book, I find that in addition 
to labors in her husband's charge, she also preached for 
the colored people, and in South Wheeling, and in other 
places more distant, such as Steubenville, Cambridge, 
Wellsville, Farmington, St. Clairsville, Laishley's, in 
Ohio, Bridgeport, McMahan's creek, Dowler's, in Vir- 
ginia, Washington and Amity, in Pennsylvania. It 
was a laborious year with her. She was a very indus- 
trious preacher of the gospel. 

Here, according to the testimony on hand, it will be 
in place to give some account of her acceptability and 
usefulness in some of the above named places where she 
labored, as in Amity, for instance. Crowds of people 
flocked to hear her in the Presbyterian church, and the 
impression was deep, the word being attended by the 
Spirit and power of God, and the whole scene is remem- 
bered by some who were present, to this day. In St. 
Clairsville, Ohio, in the court-house, and in the M. E. 
church, she preached to crowded auditories, who felt 
the presence and power of God, and were both delighted 
and profited by what they heard. The same may be 
said of other places. 

And here, once for all, it may be said of this good 
woman, that she never considered her children a hin- 
drance to her public usefulness. They were under her 
perfect command. Her habit was, while they were 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES 



201 



quite young, to take the earliest suitable opportunity 
to subjugate the will of the child to maternal authority ; 
and then, ever afterwards, she had no trouble in main- 
taining her control. Her government was that of 
principle, not of caprice ; loving and mild, but firm and 
inflexible. One lesson the child would have to learn — 
in fact it became a rule as unchangeable as the laws 
of the Medes and Persians — that children were never to 
have any thing they cried for. When they asked for it 
in a proper manner, if possible, the request would be 
granted ; so that the child would hardly ever be stinted 
in its infantile wishes, and it learned to respect its 
parents, and be contented, obedient, and happy. She 
would leave her child in the care of any strange woman, 
and it might be taken to church with perfect safety; 
while she was preaching in the pulpit, and however 
long the sermon might be, it would remain perfectly 
quiet to the end. But the moment she closed the Bible, 
it would say, u ^N"ow, let me go to my mamma." And 
she would receive him up into the pulpit, and caress 
him, while some brother would close the meeting. 

The congregation in "Wheeling station increased con- 
siderably during this year ; and before the close, the 
friends talked of enlarging the house to make room for 
the people. They also received some valuable acces- 
sions to the church. Among them was the Bev. John 
Cowl, who has been so long an able and popular minis- 
ter in the Pittsburg Annual Conference. He was then 
a diffident, bashful young man, recently converted, as 
stated in Mr. Beeves' papers, through the instrumen- 
tality of the writer of this work. He was at first a pro- 
bationer in the M. E. Church. His parents were mem- 
bers of the M. P. Church, so he united with them, in 
the same community. The pastor, after his reception, 
observing his modesty, and perceiving his possession 
of latent talent, took pains to develop it by bringing 



202 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



him forward at the social meetings, not expecting, how- 
ever, that he would ever make the man he has become. 
How important it is for pastors to watch the indications 
, of talent in young converts and encourage them. 

While that small church in Wheeling was in exist- 
ence, it sent out more efficient itinerant laborers than 
many of our old and wealthy city churches. The 
Kev. John Burns, so long at the head of the Muskin- 
gum Annual Conference, and so often its President, 
was one. During the most critical time of our history 
as the M. P. Church, at the General Conference in 
Steubenville, where he was at home, he was elected 
President of that body, and presided with great ability, 
dignity, and impartiality, commanding the universal 
respect and esteem of all parties, North and South. 
And there, too, was the Eev. Samuel Lancaster, still 
an active itinerant in the Muskingum Conference, and 
his brother, the Kev. Thomas E. Lancaster, now in 
faithful itinerant service in the North Indiana Confer- 
ence ; also the Eev. Phineas Inskep, who went to the 
west, and, I think, the Eev. W. L. Baldwin, still doing 
good service in the Muskingum Conference. All of 
these ministers were given to us by the Lord out of that 
little church in Wheeling. Notwithstanding the un- 
fortunate circumstances attending the original organ- 
ization of that church, had every pastor proved faithful 
to his duties in after days, that might have been a 
living, self-sustaining, influential station to this day. I 
have stated the real cause of its failure in my "Becol- 
lections of Itinerant Life." 

The history of their family horse, and their attach- 
ment to him, is quite interesting. That noble animal 
had carried Hannah in safety over many hundreds of 
miles. And now shall it be written that they ate him 
up? The good brother who bought him did so ostensi- 
bly to use him as a carriage horse, but obviously to 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 203 

cover a store bill, which, notwithstanding their rigid 
economy, necessity compelled them to make. When 
they did sell him, it was on the condition that, if they 
were appointed by Conference the following year to a 
circuit again, they were to take him back at the same 
price. But alas ! there was a failure in this arrange- 
ment. In a short time that noble steed was sold as a 
common draft horse, to work on the streets of the city. 
One day Hannah met her old, faithful servant, hitched 
to a cart, toiling on as a common draft horse. With all 
the peculiar regard that a seaman has for his ship, or 
the engineer has for his favorite locomotive, and more 
than all this, she stopped, distressed at the sight, and 
said: "O! Mike, Mike, is that you? Who would have 
thought that you would ever come to such a hard fate 
as this?" She wept freely over him, while the cartman 
stood and wondered what all this weeping meant. But 
poor Mike was sold into hopeless bondage, and doomed 
to undergo constant drudgery, from which she felt utter- 
ly unable to redeem him. Hannah had ventured much 
in taming that wild animal, and in toning down his 
fiery spirit to perfect gentleness. He had become entire- 
ly a safe horse for a lady to ride, and it grieved her 
sorely to part with him. 

They had a steady, progressive revival of religion in 
Wheeling during the winter. It commenced, apparent- 
ly, through preaching to backsliders. A number of 
souls were converted and added to the Church. In all 
this work, Hannah was a faithful and successful laborer. 
An instance of great earnestness in a seeker of salvation 
is worthy of notice. At an extra prayer-meeting in a 
private house, early in the evening, several penitents 
went forward for special prayer, and among them an 
excellent lady, a member of the Church, who did not 
enjoy the rich consolations of experimental Christianity. 
Several persons, during the evening, were converted 



204 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



and made happy. Two or three were overpowered in 
their new-born joy, and became helpless and rigid. In 
this condition they were removed into an adjoining 
room, and laid ont like corpses. But this lady, a Mrs. 

H , continued in deep distress. After a while, the 

pastor, knowing her comfortable circumstances at home, 
and that she was unaccustomed to hardships, judged it 
expedient for her to rise and sit up. Accordingly 
several sisters went to her and advised her to rise. But 
no ; such was her distress that she begged of them to 
bear with her u one hour more!" They did so, and 
the same plea was presented. "O! it is for my soul! 
Bear with me one more hour !" And so she continued 
in deep distress, till two o'clock in the morning, strug- 
ling hard to enter into life, but, from some unknown 
cause, she found no relief. Then her husband, who 
was somewhat skeptical, came for her, and she arose 
and returned home with him, still in deep distress. 
How often do we feel, while at the altar of prayer among 
penitents, that none but the Holy Spirit can demon- 
strate fully the way of salvation by faith in Christ, to 
the internal consciousness of the humble mourner. 

But now we have a remarkable case to mention. It 
was not published at the time, from an apprehension 
that it would not be believed. Yet as it is found among 
Mr. Reeves' papers in his own handwriting, it shall 
now be introduced to public notice, as the statements 
of our brother are deemed worthy of all confidence. 
" We have already said that two or three were rigid and 
put aside. They, however, as is common in such cases, 
came to again after some hours, with the exception of 
one young man. He was an apprentice to a shoemaker, 
who had come from the East. He remained like a dead 
man. They thought but little of this for some time, 
but he continued in that state, day after day, till the 
friends became alarmed. All means were used to 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. 205 

restore him, but in vain. He was taken home, and the 
mistress, though a professed believer, yet unsympathiz- 
ing, would run a needle into his flesh and watch his 
face, to see if he winced under it, for she thought he 
was only "acting the opossom." But not a nerve 
twitched or moved more than would a corpse. They 
tried to pry open his jaws to feed him, fearing he would 
starve ; but they could not do it. Physicians came and 
examined him, but confessed the insufficiency of their 
skill to reach a diagnosis of his case. While otherwise 
apparently dead, he retained a good, round, tense pulse, 
yet no nourishment could be given him in any way. 
Men of science also called to see him, but confessed 
their ignorance of the matter. Ministers and friends 
of different denominations came to see, for themselves, 
this wonderful sight. They also marveled and went 
away. At length the lad came to his consciousness, 
and strange to relate, his first inquiry was for that Mrs. 
H. who was in so much distress. He said he had been 
to see Paradise, and had seen many things, and he was 
sent back now, on an arrand to encourage her. He said 
he had seen her name — it was written in heaven — and 
spoke of the position she held. She was very near the 
blessing ; she must seek on and believe, and she would 
assuredly be saved ! And what was still more strange, 
as soon as he had delivered the message, without taking 
the least nourishment, he relapsed, or went off again 
into the trance. And so he remained for a length of 
time. It was two weeks or more, if memory is correct, 
before he finally returned to his natural state. Days 
before he could speak, however, his consciousness re- 
turned, and he was taken out to ride ; and being full 
of curiosity, his friends would question him upon many 
things. One was, if he knew he would regain his 
power of speech. He signified that he did. Did he 
know the time it would return ? He did. And by the 
18 



206 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



aid of signs, they ascertained he knew that also. That 
was to be on Wednesday evening ; and as that was the 
time for the regular social prayer-meeting in the 
Church, crowds of people attended the prayer-meetings, 
expecting to hear some wonderful things. But Provi- 
dence disappointed their eager expectations. During 
the prayer-meeting he remained as speechless as before. 
But after returning home, his speech did return, and he 
could reveal wonderful things. But like St. Paul, he 
heard and saw many things he dared not repeat, and 
appeared unwilling to talk upon the subject, as if it was 
too sacred to be uttered. But what he did reveal was 
marvelous indeed. 

Though in Wheeling, theirs was a mixed cup, yet the 
place was always dear to them by sacred associations. 
And most deeply did they deplore the going down of 
the appointment, and earnestly desired its restoration. 
In that same desire our whole connection is still in 
sympathy with them. A lay delegation form of Meth- 
odist Christianity ought to have a home in Wheeling. 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. 207 



CHAPTER XVII. 

In 1835, they are appointed to Newark Circuit— A wide field— 
They go to work in earnest — They visit New Lancaster — The 
condition of the Church in that place— The Church in trouble 
— Mrs. Reeves' popularity — Efforts to secure her services — All 
failed— A vexatious violation of good faith— An extraordi- 
nary case — A young lady died praying for sinners — So the Sa- 
viour died — Hannah's labors at home — She labors much 
abroad — Will God, in answer to prayer, impress the mind of a 
distant person with a particular idea? — Hannah preached 
often— Attended two camp meetings— A church trial gives 
much trouble — Their child came^ear being drowned — The 
second year on Newark Circuit — They remove to Enyart's— 
Hannah's afflictions and joys— Her recovery, and her relapse 
and slow return to health — Her further labors. 

TX the following year, 1835, they were appointed to 
I Newark Circuit. This wasj a wide field, and it 
was entered with a glowing zeal for extensive usefulness. 
Hannah was well known and highly appreciated in that 
community, and hopes of great success were generally 
entertained by the brethren. But as they left Wheeling 
minus their faithful family horse, they had to commence 
de iwvo, on the horse question. Providence, however, 
soon opened their way on this point, and they became 
the owner of a small, gentle, active hack, and they went 
to work in earnest. Soon a pressing invitation came 
for them to visit Xew Lancaster Station, and wishing 
to do ail the good they could, they complied. 

The circumstances of that station, at the time of their 
visit, were of a very peculiar character. During the 
preceding year, a preacher of great popularity was 
appointed pastor, and soon the house was crowded 
with delighted auditors, and he was invited to fill the 



208 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



pulpits of sister churches. The same charm followed 
him wherever he preached. It was not long before 
other congregations were greatly thinned out, while his 
constantly increased, so that danger appeared of de- 
populating one or more meeting-houses. When lo! 
while at the very highest altitude of his popularity, an 
infamous scandal of an unmentionable nature, was cast 
upon his fair name, and the trustees of his church 
locked the doors of the* sanctuary against him. This 
was done on the Sabbath morning, while the people 
were nocking in eager crowds to hear him preach 
the gospel. It appeared to be of no use to protest 
against the allegation, or plead his innocence ; and so, 
without a trial, or legal examination of the case, he 
privately left the placet is said, with an aching heart. 
A man of his talents would naturally have many warm 
friends. Even those who believed him guilty, were 
much concerned on account of his fall. 

The church, of necessity, under these circumstances, 
was left in a deplorable condition. A young and inex- 
perienced preacher had been appointed by Conference 
to succeed that popular man. As might have been 
foreseen, he could not fill the place, and the people 
were dissatisfied. Hence the invitation and visit. The 
charms of a female preacher's voice, accompanied by 
the Spirit and power of God, did in a measure rally the 
public mind, and call it off from the troubles of the 
past. Hence Mrs. Reeves was very popular in Kew 
Lancaster. What next? Why, soon a plan was con- 
cocted, by persons both in the church and out of it, to 
effect a change of preachers. To this proposition, both 
Hannah and her husband did most seriously object. 
They alleged that the young man was doing all he 
could, and the circumstances of the case considered, he 
was doing well ; and they urged the people to refrain 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



209 



from a movement of that kind, as their compliance 
with it could not be expected. 

These visitors held their meeting, and it was truly a 
spiritual and profitable season in that community. 
This increased the solicitude of the people for the pro- 
posed change. To parry the question for the present, 
they promised to visit them again ; and urged that the 
year would soon pass away, and then, if still they 
desired it, and the Annual Conference would concur, 
they would cheerfully serve them the next year; and 
so encouraging the young man, they returned to their 
own field of labor. But matters did not stop here. 
The friends in New Lancaster proceeded to make 
arrangements for the change. It is believed that the 
consent of the executive of the. district was obtained. 
Then they wrote to Mr. Reeves the facts, and stated 
that the teams were actually engaged to bring his house- 
hold goods to New Lancaster. Still they declined to 
move, not wishing to leave their own charge, fearing 
it might offend their old friends, and be injurious to the 
young preacher in Lancaster. They promised, how- 
ever, that they would make them another visit before 
the end of the year. They did so, and had another 
meeting of great value to that community. Then the 
parties mutually agreed to ask for a change at the ensu- 
ing Conference. When the Conference came, the dele- 
gate never named Mr. Reeves, according to agreement, 
to the stationing authorities, but asked for, and obtained 
another preacher, without one word of apology or ex- 
planation. Mr. Reeves felt perfectly amazed at such 
conduct, and was led to suppose that some evil-minded 
person, perhaps some jealous-minded preacher, had 
stood in his way, and by an underhanded, secret in- 
fluence, caused the New Lancaster brethren to violate 
their solemn agreement with him. He was not so much 
hurt at the loss of the appointment, as at the manner 
18* 



210 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



of losing it. He sought do explanations, but quietly 
endured what, to him, seemed a manifest wrong, and 
said in his diary: "It is cheerfully committed into the 
hands of the Divine Lord and Master, to manage and 
adjust." The Judge of all the earth will do right. 
Among the apostles, James and John sought to be the 
greatest, and thereby roused the indignation of their 
brethren. And to this day, an effort of any preacher, 
in any Church, to elevate himself by circumventing his 
brethren, is in its nature calculated to rouse the indig- 
nation of any honest man. 

One case of great interest, connected with their labors 
in New Lancaster, deserves an especial notice. Mr. 
Reeves says in his diary : " Before taking leave of this 
place, suffer me to state an extraordinary case of one of 
the converts, the fruits of Hannah's labors at one of 
the meetings held by special invitation. It was of a 
young woman, reared, it is believed, in the country. 
Plain, unsophisticated, and simple-hearted, it was not 
hard for her to believe and trust in God with all her 
soul. She was soundly converted, and united with the 
church, and became eminently pious, and had power 
with God far above her compeers. In a good degree 
she resembled the celebrated Ann Cutler, of England, 
who, for perse verence in prayer, acquired the sobriquet 
of c Praying Nanny. ' So with this dear girl. Let the 
meeting be ever so dull, call upon her to pray, and soon 
she would, by the Spirit and power of God, apparently 
unlock the store-house above, and blessing would be 
poured on all around ! In a great measure, like her who 
had been the chief means of her salvation, she possessed 
a great gift in pleading with God. On one occasion, at 
an evening meeting of a social character, there appeared 
to be a spirit of dullness and apathy among the mem- 
bers, and the meeting seemed to drag along heavily. 
As usual in such a spiritual extremity, the pastor called 



MB S. HA NN A H R EE YES. 



211 



on this good sister to pray. She complied, and soon got 
into an agony of spirit, pleading for sinners. She laid 
hold on the horns of the altar, and continued her 
powerful intercession with God, until her own happy 
spirit took its departure to the paradise of God ! Yes, 
that precious girl, though rilling only a servant's place 
below, went home to dwell with the King of kings 
above ! She literally died pleading for sinners. At first 
the friends thought that she had only swooned away ; 
but God had taken her from servitude on earth, to reign 
with him in heaven. There are not many such cases 
as this upon record, where a Christian died in the 
agony of prayer to God for the salvation of sinners. It 
brings forcibly to mind the Saviour's agony in the gar- 
den, when he prayed for a perishing world of sinners. 
The agon}' brought the blood oozing out through every 
opening pore. It was there he began to bear the burden 
of a world's redemption, and death might have occurred, 
then and there, had it not been the high arrangement 
of Heaven, that his death should be public, on the cross, 
among his enemies, where all could witness that won- 
derful event. There he died, praying for sinners : 
' Father forgive them, for they know not what they do. ' '* 
It may now be proper to return to Xewark, their own 
field of labor. Here they went to work, in good earnest, 
to cultivate their own part of the Master's vineyard ; 
nor did they labor in vain in the Lord. Hannah did a 
good deal of preaching, in connection with her husband, 
on the home circuit. But at the earnest request of 
friends, she labored much and hard in many other 
places, and some of them quite distant. In addition 
to those already mentioned in Xew Lancaster, ghe 
preached in Xew Salem, Fairfield county, Brownsville, 
Utica, Mt. Vernon, Columbus, (in both these places 
her labors were heavy,) Gray's meeting-house, and Mt. 
Sterling, Muskingum county. And yet her zeal did not 



•212 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



abate. To particularize, in many places, would be both 
inexpedient and impracticable. There is one occur- 
rence worthy of a passing notice. It involves an idea 
on the subject of prayer, concerning which there is no 
little skepticism, even among Christians. * L Will God, 
111 answer to prayer, make the exact impression which 
we desire on the minds of our friends at a distance from 
us, when important interests are at stake ?" Why not ? 
Is he not every where ? He is here where we now pray. 
He is with our friend, however distant, to give the an- 
swer, and make the expression exactly as we desire it. 
in prayer, on his heart. If this be not so. why do we 
pray for our distant friends at all ? The history of the 
case niay now be given, and the reader is asked not to 
limit the Almighty. 

In the neighborhood of Newark, a poor man. some- 
what advanced in life, was led to seek the Saviour. 
Soon after, as he was engaged at work in a to 
drying-house in the vicinity, the building took tire, and 
he unfortunately fell into the fire, was fatally injured, 
and died. Mr. Reeves was absent, attending a quarterly 
meeting in the Thrap neighborhood. On Saturday 
afternoon an official brother from Newark arrived, and 
instead of bringing Hannah with him, he brought the 
news of the poor man's death, and that, by request, 
she remained to preach his funeral on Sunday. This 
request was sp'ecial, as the deceased had received spirit- 
ual good through her instrumentality. The moment 
that Mr. Reeves heard of the case, and that a funeral 
sermon was to be preached by his wife, he became 
powerfully impressed with a passage of Scripture, and 
with a conviction that she ought to preach from it. The 
words are the following: u Is not this a brand plucked 
out of the fire?" But what could he do? It was now 
towards Saturday evening, and no mail to take a letter 
to her, and in those days there were no telegraph wires 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



213 



to convey words to distant friends. He felt no little 
concern of mind, for he wanted her to have that text. 
All at once, the thought of a spiritual communication 
in answer to prayer occurred to him. He then retired 
to a part of the house where no one was sitting, and 
earnestly and fervently prayed to God to impress that 
passage upon her mind. It did seem to him that God 
willed it, and would answer his prayer, and that would 
be the best method of communication. And the Lord 
did as he desired. On Saturday evening, Hannah had 
no text, and was much perplexed in her mind respect- 
ing an appropriate passage. She tried to rest. Sunday 
morning came, and she was still perplexed. She prayed 
for light, and was much concerned. And as the hour 
of preaching drew nigh, the impression came vividly 
and powerfully home on her mind, and the above text 
contains the words. And then, at that moment, ready 
as she was in the Scriptures, she could not recollect the 
place to rind it. They were then living near the resi- 
dence of lawyer Dilly, an Episcopalian. She went to 
him to borrow a Concordance, and finally, about the 
time the bells commenced to ring for church, she found 
her text. Then there was no time for study or medita- 
tion, and but little for prayer itself. She, however, 
went to church, took that text, as the gift of God for 
the occasion, and preached with freedom. The Lord 
was present indeed, to own and bless the word ! They 
had a memorable meeting, one of such value as to 
justify the conclusion that a higher wisdom than her 
own had superintended this whole matter. Xext 
day, when her husband came home, on entering the 
room, the lad}' of the house with whom they lodged 
being present, before he would take his seat, he, ad- 
dressing his wife, said : " Hannah, what did you preach 
from yesterday?" She replied, "Why did you ask me 
that question?" He said he had a particular reason 



214 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



for it. Then she said the text was in Zech. iii. 2 : u Is 
not this a brand plucked out of the fire." And each gave 
the explanation and the facts. u Well, well," said the 
good lady of the house, who was a member of the church, 
"surely you are strange folks." Strange as this thing 
may seem, God can easily do such things, and will do 
them when he sees. that valuable ends are to be accom- 
plished. The above narrative, which I have taken from 
Mr. Reeves' papers, affords encouragement to the pious 
to pray for their absent friends. 

From her tender, sympathetic nature, combined with 
her piety and pulpit talents, Hannah was often called 
upon to preach funeral sermons. And during this 
Conference year, at home and abroad, she preached 
about seventy sermons, besides all other religious labors, 
and enjoyed many precious seasons, from the presence 
of the Lord. She closed the year by attending two 
camp-meetings ; one at Jacob Brown's, in Licking 
county, and the Coshocton camp-meeting. At both of 
these meetings she labored with her accustomed zeal 
and efficiency. She closed the last one with a farewell 
address. It was an affecting scene. 

But while they were thus industriously laboring in the 
vineyard of the Lord, the enemy was not idle. A 
church trial, where nothing but admonition should 
have been required, did not terminate to the satisfac- 
tion of the malignant accuser, and he emptied all the 
vials of his wrath on Mr. Beeves head. This affair 
greatly troubled the church, and brought home to the 
hearts of Brother and Sister Reeves' an untold amount 
of sorrow. They had stood high in Newark, and now, 
because the decision of the committee was faithfully 
carried out by the pastor, the accuser, who wanted the 
accused expelled from the church to avenge an old 
quarrel, turned all his venom against the pastor and 
his lady. All churches have such men. Their grudge 



MRS. HANNAH ME EVES. 



215 



must be avenged, or they will kill the church. In all 
these sorrows, Hannah most sympathetically stood by 
her husband and by the cause of Christ. To add to 
their afflictions, they came near losing their beloved 
son, Samuel, while in Newark. The child was playing 
with a barrel of rain-water in the yard. He lost his 
balance and pitched in upon his head, and there re- 
mained for some time, before he was discovered. But 
providentially he was restored, to the great joy of his 
parents. When parents bury their children, it seems 
to them as if part of themselves went into the grave 
and into heaven, to which place the infant spirits take 
their flight. Yet, after all, parental love retains the 
children here as long as possible. 

Notwithstanding the troubles mentioned, these co- 
laborers were continued another year on the Newark 
Circuit. And the language of the superintendent, at 
the close of the preceding year, may now be quoted : 
"O Newark, Newark! Sacred, yet sorrowful are the 
associations with thy name !" The following spring, 
they removed from town into the country, near the 
center of the circuit, and found a comfortable home with 
an excellent family of German extraction by the name 
of Enyart. That was, indeed, a happy home. This 
year they had sore trials of another nature. The An- 
nual Conference sat in Pittsburg ; and after its rise, in 
crossing the Allegheny bridge, the wind being very 
boisterous, Hannah took a very severe cold, which 
sorely affected her whole system. She was not in a fit 
condition to travel, so they had the utmost difficulty iu 
getting home. Still they persevered. They halted 
awhile at "Wellsville and other places. Finally they 
reached Zanesville, and by another effort, they got our 
to Father Thrap's. There she took to bed, and remained 
some time, apparently at the grave's mouth ; yet every 
possible effort was made for her recovery. All this 



216 



THE LADY PRE A CHER: 



time, while life hung in doubt, she was beyond descrip- 
tion happy. The gospel she had preached to others 
was now, to her, a firm support. She rested on the 
Eternal Kock of ages, and had all joy and peace in be- 
lieving in the Saviour of sinners. Jewels to her were 
but gaudy toys, and gold but sordid dust. One day, as 
her husband reports, she seemed to be particularly 
favored of the Lord, and was in continual rapture. She 
poured forth the ecstatic feelings of her soul in the 
tender strains of our best poets, and seemed as if she 
were almost within the heavenly city. Had she de- 
parted at that time, as was confidently expected, her 
stricken husband, however much he might have felt the 
loss of such a wife, thinks that he would nevertheless 
have shouted at her triumphant entrance into life 
eternal. But it pleased God to spare her life a little 
longer, to be a comfort to her husband and a blessing to 
the Church. In that same room her brother Samuel, 
who had visited them from Canada, died, calling on the 
Lord Jesus, if it was his blessed will, to receive his 
spirit. 

The recovery of Mrs. Beeves, must have been slow, 
for according to her text book, we find her preaching 
for the first time at the house of Brother Burgess on 
New Year's day, from the "barren fig tree." In a 
short time, however, she was again prostrated, and suf- 
fered for many weeks, beyond expression, at the house 
of Father Enyart. The disease was inflammatory rheu- 
matism, and so thoroughly was she under the power of 
this acute malady, that for a long time she neither 
moved hand or foot, any more than one who was dead. 
Wherever her limbs were placed, there they would re- 
main, until some person moved them for her. Her 
whole body was so sore that the slightest touch would 
inflict severe pain. She had to be lifted in a sheet, 
night and day. Brother John Enyart, a stout young 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. 



217 



man, who acquired a tact in lifting her with comparative 
ease, would get up every night, for a long time, to help 
her husband, who laid on a pallet, near at hand, watch- 
ing with vigilance and deep sympathy, attending to her 
wants, and for six consecutive weeks never undressed, 
save only to change his linen. 

A full account of her affliction can not he given. Lit- 
tle hope of her recovery could be entertained. A Quaker 
physician said to her husband, u Friend William, 
thy wife Hannah will never preach again." But that 
man was mistaken. By the blessing of God on the 
means used, and the good nursing faithfully given by 
her husband and other kind friends, she did gradually 
recover her health. ]Sot a joint was out of place, or 
injured. She never was troubled with rheumatism 
afterwards. It was late in. the spring before she could 
walk about the house, with a cane in her hand. Her 
restoration was of the Lord ; human skill could do but 
little for her. The Enyart family, both parents and 
children, by their unwearied kindness during Hannah's 
long continued illness, made too deep an impression on 
the hearts of Mrs. Beeves and her husband ever to be 
forgotten by them. Several members of this dear 
family have long since gone to receive their rich reward 
in that better country. 

In the latter part of the year, Hannah resumed her 
labors again. The first sermon she preached after her 
sickness, was in the Hanover meeting-house, where the 
Enyart family belonged, and the text was rather a sin- 
gular one, G-en. ii. 31, 32. She also preached in differ- 
ent parts of the circuit, and her labors were highly 
appreciated by the people, and profitable. All things 
considered, this was a year of affliction, not only to Mrs. 
Beeves, but likewise to her husband and the circuit. 
Her labor was lost to the circuit ; his labors were 
greatly curtailed. This grieved him, and the circuit 
19 



218 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



suffered for want of the regular services of its pastor. 
So it was a year of suffering to all concerned. 

Among other fruits of Hannah's labor in Newark 
may be mentioned, in this connection, the conversion 
of a gifted young man. But for the troubles already 
mentioned in that place, he would probably have united 
with the M. P. Church. But a Church full of internal 
troubles is by no means attractive, so he united with the 
M. E. Church, and soon became a talented preacher, 
and for many years has been a popular revivalist, and 
filled important city stations in the Eastern Conferences 
of that Church. O how Satan can devour and scatter 
the sheep, and drive off the lambs ! A man with a 
beam in his own eye, fully bent on ^mlling a mote out 
of his brother's eye, can soon get up trouble enough to 
ruin any church in the world. Show me a man deter- 
termined to rid the Church of faulty members, by a 
strict application of law, without a due mixture of gospel 
charity, and I will show you a hard-hearted hypocrite. 



MRS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



219 



CHAPTER XVIXI. 

They are appointed to Brownsville Circuit — J. Robison, assist- 
ant — Work enough for all — Hannah visits Columbus — Mr. 
Reeves accidentally injured in the foot — Hannah does the 
work at home, and does much in other places— Together, 
they visit Pennsville and Jackson— Their little son— Hannah 
preaches at Athens— The students— Their success at these 
several meetings— They return to their own field of labor — 
Here, during the year, Hannah is abundant in preaching- 
Little Samuel and the fleshy woman — His death — Phineas 
Jnskep — The meeting Hannah and he held during Conference 
— Its fruit fulness. 

]J^ROM Newark, by appointment from Conference, 
they went to Brownsville Circuit, having Brother 
James Bobison for the assistant preacher, and a very 
agreeable colleague he proved to be. Here was work 
enough for them all to do, and on the circuit there were 
many willing workers. Hannah was always ready for 
her share of the toil. Before they were ready for sys- 
tematic effort, she made a visit to Columbus, and 
preached twice, with credit to herself and profit to the 
people in that city. 

Soon after her return, her husband met with an acci- 
dent, an injury to his foot, and through malpractice of 
an inexperienced physician, he was unable to travel for 
some time ; in fact it proved to be a lifetime injury. 
But happily for him, Hannah was at hand to fill his 
place. Hence she went to Cambridge and held a three 
days' meeting, and the Master was present in spirit and 
power. Among other spiritual fruits of her labors, 
may be mentioned a very stout, strong man, who strug- 
gled under his deep convictions with almost herculean 
might, inasmuch that to describe that man's wrestling, 
an orientalism from the Scriptures was borrowed. He 



220 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



seemed, they said, "like a wild bull in a net." But at 
last he was saved by grace ; through faith in the Lord 
Jesus Christ, the lion was changed into a lamb. 

The Cambridge meeting was held in November. In 
December and January, she preached repeatedly in 
Zanesville. She labored likewise at nearly all the ap- 
pointments on the circuit, eight of them at least, and 
these embracing the more prominent and distant ones. 
In May, she visited their old friends in Newark, and 
endeavored to heal the wounds the wolf had made in 
that society more than a year ago. The next tour was 
to the southern part of the State. Two meetings were 
contemplated, the first in Pennsville, where there were 
many of the society of Friends ; the second was in the 
town of Jackson, Jackson county. They started about 
the first of June, and on the way they tarried for a night, 
with their special old friend, Rev. Foster Edwards, 
where they left their little son, Samuel William. Now, 
because I believe that even down to this day, Christ 
blesses little children, I will, from the papers before me, 
give some account of this little boy. I will the rather 
do this, because he soon passed away to the arms of 
Jesus, who said: " Suffer little children to come unto 
me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom 
of heaven." Little Samuel William was then about 
four years old, and was a remarkable child for one 
so young. His parents had taken great pains in his 
mental and moral culture from infancy ; and he had 
greatly profited by their instructions, for his mind was 
full of thoughts beyond his years, and his heart had 
already felt spiritual emotions. His mental and spirit- 
ual advancement gave great encouragement to his 
parents, whose sole object was to train him for Christ 
and heaven. Half infidel professors may doubt the 
capability of children of four years of age becoming dis- 
ciples of Christ, if they will. But why should they 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



221 



doubt ? Are not many children of that age, to some 
extent, capable of knowing the difference between right 
and wrong ? And may they not, with the aid of paren- 
tal instruction, and the influence of the Spirit of God, 
do right, and be religious at that tender age ? Surely, 
so soon as they are capable of being wicked, they are 
capable of being religious. The religion of such a child 
is infantile, indeed, but it may be fully up to his know- 
ledge of the difference between good and evil. If pro- 
perly nurtured, as knowledge increases, grace may ad- 
vance, until glory crowns the whole in heaven. 

I now quote from Mr. Beeves' record. "]^ext morn- 
ing, before leaving, to prepare his mind for the trial, his 
mother took the child aside, and talked to him, and 
made known to him the contemplated journey, and 
asked him if he was willing to stay with Aunty Edwards 
and her little girl. At first it shocked him a little, but 
he soon summoned up his little soldierly spirit, and 
assumed a pleasant countenance, and cheerfully con- 
's ented. The horses were led out, and with the family, 
little Samuel went out into the yard to see them off. 
He sat down with his elbows resting on his knees, and 
his hands supporting his head, and appeared to be 
buried in thought. He said, ' Ma, how long will you 
be gone?' 'Two weeks,' she replied. With a serious 
air he repeated, 4 Two weeks ! How many days will 
that be?' 'Fourteen days.' Eather sadly, he added, 
c That will be a good many days ;' but as if determined 
to maintain self-control, 'Well, you tell the lady to 
please send me a cake ;' and he bade them good-by 
without a tear. Ascertaining how r well posted the child 
w r as upon different subjects, Brother Edwards, for 
amusement, w r hen his neighbors would call, took plea- 
sure in introducing the child, and asking him questions, 
and receiving his ready answers. After a while the boy 
became tired of such catechizing, and when brought 
19* 



222 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



out again, he said: 'I don't answer gentlemen's ques- 
tions any more. ' Then, on special occasions, he would 
call on Mrs. Edwards to catechize him. On the return 
of the parents, Brother Edwards had much to say 
respecting the child, and told his mother she would 
never raise that boy. ' Why, ' she asked. ' Because he 
knows too much already, and is too bright a bud to blos- 
som in this world. ' He added : 1 Sister Beeves, I am 
glad you do not whip that child.' 6 Why whip him?' 
she rejoined, 'he does not need whipping. He has been 
taught to do his duty, and he does it. 5 Shortly after- 
wards, a venerable old lady on the circuit, Mother 
Starkey, on hearing the child talk, said to his mother. 
' That child will never scratch a gray head. ' And sure 
enough, in a few weeks G-od took the child ; he ex- 
changed the scenes of earth for those of heaven. " His 
religion was Christianity in the bud. 

But to return to the tour. They reached Pennsville 
in safety, and went to work in earnest, and God gave 
the increase. It was, indeed, a remarkable meeting. 
A gracious revival broke out among the people, and 
many souls were converted to God. Many of the 
Friends who resided there attended meeting on the 
Lord's day, and such was the throng of people that 
many could not obtain an entrance into the house. 
Wishing to give them an opportunity to hear, on that 
Sabbath evening Hannah said to the congregation that 
she was deeply impressed to publish an appointment 
for six o'clock on Monday morning, so that the people 
might hear a sermon before they went to work. The 
idea of being moved by an inward impression to appoint 
preaching in the morning pleased the people, especially 
the Friends. There was a large assemblage of people 
at the house, and the Lord abundantly blessed Hannah 
in that morning effort; and such was the powerful 
influence of the Spirit of God upon that congregation, 



MRS. HA NN AH REEVE 8. 



223 



that the people seemed unwilling to leave the place. 
Many awakened sinners came forward for prayer, and 
among the number some of the Friends venerable for 
age. inquiring for further light in matters pertaining to 
spiritual experience. At the proper time they tried to 
dismiss the people, but they would not leave the place. 
Even men whose labor was in a brickyard could not be 
prevailed upon to leave the house, and so they remained 
all the forenoon. After a while, Hannah and her hus- 
band left to obtain some refreshments, and then re- 
turned to the blessed work. What a happy time ! God 
was there, and many sinners were saved by grace ; how 
many, is not now remembered. 

From Pennsville. they went on to Jacksonville. They 
were to pass through Athens. A local preacher who 
resided near that place was at the Pennsville meeting, 
and before leaving for home on Monday, he was very 
solicitous for Hannah to promise to preach in Athens. 
But as they could not tell the day when they would leave 
Pennsville, a promise could not with safety be given. 
He still urged the permission to publish, but was for- 
bidden to do it. But after all this, he did it, and hand- 
bills were posted up, and the news of a lady to preach 
was spread in all directions. The students in the college, 
with the citizeus generally, in town and country, were 
all excited, and full of eager expectation. Xot knowing 
there was an appointment in Athens, and a rain having 
come on, they remained another day in Pennsville. 
Then they had forty miles to ride, in one day, to reach 
Athens. They arrived in that place a little after dark. 
That day they killed a rattlesnake, and took its rattles 
as a prize. They missed the right road, and traveled out 
of their way, and Hannah used all the influential argu- 
ments she could muster up with their escort, the super- 
intendent of the circuit, between whom and his wife 
there was a sore trouble, to reconcile matters, and pre- 



224 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



vent a separation ; but she failed. The separation took 
place. This was a sad affair. Who was in the fault, 
the man, the woman, or both, is not said, nor is it said 
what became of the parties. 

On their arrival, to their entire surprise, they learned 
that an appointment had been published, and that the 
people had nocked together from all quarters to hear 
the lady preacher. The house where the people assem- 
bled was far too small for such a congregation, and they 
retired to another house, the largest in the place, and 
it was filled — packed — and many people stood on the 
outside. After a due time of waiting, one of the pro- 
fessors of the college, a minister, was preaching to the 
people when they reached Athens. Hannah was too 
much fatigued in traveling to attend meeting. Her 
husband crowded in, and sang bass, and received the 
rather doubtful encomium of being "the basest man 
they ever heard," alluding, probably, to his deep-toned 
bass voice. Meantime that persistent local preacher, 
fully bent on gratifying the people, went to Hannah at 
her lodging-place, and obtained from her a promise 
that she would preach the next morning, before leaving 
the town. He arranged for both to preach, the husband 
at six o'clock, and his wife at seven. But the professor 
addressed a note to Mr. Reeves, requesting him to 
reverse the order, for reasons afterwards to be explained. 
So it was afterwards announced that Hannah would 
preach at six, and William at seven o'clock the next 
morning. The reason for reversing the order was this: 
When the news reached the town that a lady was to 
preach, some of the students in the college took up the 
question, and they had quite a discussion on the subject. 
Some of them, being skeptical in their opinions, de- 
clared that "no woman could entertain them for an 
hour upon the subject of Christianity. " Others thought 
differently, and the professor wished to have the matter 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



225 



tested. Though a stranger to Mrs. Beeves, he was 
anxious for her to have an opportunity of doing good. 
The time came, and the students, with the multitude, 
were there. The students took the middle of the church, 
in front of the pulpit, so as to have a full view of the 
lady preacher. They used their opera glasses, and 
looked at her in rather a quizzical style. But all this 
did not daunt her in the least. She remained calm and 
self-possessed, in full view of the fact that her perform- 
ance that day was to undergo no little criticism by the 
students. She was most graciously assisted in praying 
and preaching, and during the sermon those students 
listened with profound attention, and scarcely blinked 
an eye. When the sermon was ended, they retired. 
Not knowing the reason of this, namely, that they had 
gone to their recitations, Mr. Beeves supposed that the 
people did not wish to hear him, so he declined preach- 
ing, and the congregation was dismissed. 

They traveled that day to Jackson. The meeting 
was in the court-house, and continued about one week, 
and its results were good. The Lord was with his hand- 
maiden, and he made her tongue like the pen of a ready 
writer. A particular account of this meeting need not 
be given. Its general influence in behalf of our com- 
mon Christianity was, in all respects, favorable, and of 
course, the M. P. Church, in particular, was benefited 
thereby. Hannah received rather an overdone compli- 
ment from a prominent physician, who was present and 
heard for himself. Being asked what he thought of the 
lady preacher, he replied that it appeared to him a as 
if old Cicero was brought back to life, and his head 
stuck on the shoulders of that woman." This proves 
one thing at least, namely, that Hannah's discourses 
had strongly enlisted that man's feelings ; and excited 
feelings often lead to hyperbolical language. Yet Han- 
nah's eloquence must not be disparaged. If it had not 



226 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



the commanding, lofty, scathing power of Cicero's when 
he spoke in a Roman Senate or in the Eorum, it had in 
it the chaste, tender^ touching, spiritual power which 
pleads directly to the heart, and is eminently calculated 
to command the attention of a Christian assembly. 

The friends of sobriety and order availed themselves 
of the opportunity, and got up a temperance meeting in 
Jackson. A popular preacher of the M. E. Church, 
and Mr. Beeves, addressed the people on that occasion. 
It is believed that good was done. Christianity will 
have as great a battle to fight, to overthrow the intem- 
perance of this nation, as it had to fight, before the 
days of Constantine, to overthrow heathen idolatry. 
Yet the work will be done. Both heathen idolatry and 
intemperance will fall before the power of Christianity. 
u For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that 
he might destroy the works of the devil." 

On their return to Brother Edwards', they found 
their dear little son in good health, and the child and 
the parents were all joyful together. On their way, 
Hannah preached at McArthurstown, Wolf's Plain, 
and Pennsville. She also made two visits to Pennsville 
afterwards, before the close of the Conference year, and 
one to Brother Edwards', for the purpose of preaching. 
To this add her frequent preaching on the circuit and 
in other places besides those mentioned. I will here 
record an anecdote concerning their little son Samuel. 
His mother took him with her to the temple where she 
preached. The Lord was there in power, and the mem- 
bers were much revived. An elderly lady, a member 
of the Church, large and fleshy, was made abundantly 
happy, and took a real shout. She jumped about as 
lively as an active girl, and after a while she came to 
the floor and swooned away. This frightened, the boy. 
It was something new and alarming to him, and he was 
sorely afraid. Next evening he tried to describe to his 



MRS. HA NN AH REEVES. 



221 



father the actions of the old lady, but could not succeed 
to his own satisfaction, though, for a child, he had good 
descriptive powers. He went to bed with the subject 
on his mind, and probably worked at it until he fell 
asleep. The next morning he had it all ready, and with 
sparkling eyes he ran to his father, repeating what he 
had commenced the evening before. u Pa, grandmother 
Brown scared me on Sunday." ''Did she, my son?" he 
replied. "What did she do?" "Why, she bellowed 
like a bull ; she flew round like a bird ; she then died, 
and came to life again !" This description came near 
being complete. 

Shortly after this, the dear old lady was killed by 
being thrown out of a little wagon, by the horse run- 
ning off down a steep hill. Of course Mr. Eeeves offi- 
ciated at the funeral. "When he came home, the child 
had a problem for him to solve. He had asked his 
mother before his arrival, but supposing he could not 
comprehend the subject, she referred him to his father. 
The question was this : "Pa. you have buried grand- 
mother Brown in the grave ; and yet you tell me that 
she is gone to the Good Man's house. ' * The father then 
explained the matter, and spoke of the spirit or soul being 
distinct from the body ; the latter only was laid in the 
grave, while the former was taken by angels to heaven. 
He then spoke to this child of the resurrection of the 
body, and then of the final reunion of both in the king- 
dom of God. The clear child listened like a little phi- 
losopher to all this Christian teaching, and appeared 
delighted with the information. He then said. "Why 
pa, is that it?" and then proceeded to make a poetical 
and personal application of the subject, saying. "So 
then, when I die, my body will be put into the ground, 
and my spirit will be taken to the Good Man's house. 
And when the great angel blows his horn (sounds his 
trumpet), my body will be raised." "Yes, was the 



228 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



father's reply. And the dear child seemed to under- 
stand the subject, and was entirely satisfied. And 
shortly after this, July 23d, the grandfather Reeves' 
birth-day, this little child was taken to heaven. 

He died of the croup, to which he had been subject 
from his infancy. As his end approached, finding 
recovery was impossible, his mother retired and earnest- 
ly prayed that, if he must go, the Lord would take him 
easily. The prayer was answered. And while he 
lingered on the shores of time, he begged the friends to 
sing. Some one began to hum a little ditty. To this 
at once he objected, and said, "I don't want such sing- 
ing as that ; sing something prettier." Then one present 
commenced singing "My God, the spring of all my 
joys," &c. That delighted him, and he said to his 
mother, "That is pretty singing, ma, isn't it?" and 
soon fell asleep in the arms of the blessed Saviour, aged 
four years and three months. I have been thus par- 
ticular in giving the history of this child, because I have 
believed him to have been an early-age, infantile Chris- 
tian. His body sleeps in death, near the tomb of his 
Uncle Samuel Pearce, in the Thrap neighborhood, and 
his spirit rests in Paradise for ever with the Lord. The 
Bev. J. Flemming improved the mournful occasion in 
the use of the appropriate words of David : "I shall go 
to him, but he shall not return to me." His death was 
severely felt by both the parents, but they said in their 
hearts, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; 
blessed be the name of the Lord." 

During the sitting of the Annual Conference in New 
Lancaster, in 1838, a meeting was held in New Salem, 
in which Hannah took a prominent part. That meet- 
ing was as unusual in some of its operations and char- 
acteristics, as it was successful in its results and per- 
manent benefits to the Church. A young preacher by 
the name of Phineas Inskep, and Hannah, formed a 



THE LADY PREACHER: 229 

plan of a protracted meeting, to be held during the ses- 
sion of the Conference. By the way, the manner of this 
young man's entering the itinerancy is noteworthy. 
He had long desired to enter the work, and had an 
excellent hortatory talent, with other qualifications for 
public usefulness. But there were some deficiencies about 
him, which, for a time, closed the door of admittance 
against him. And when Mr. Reeves was stationed in 
Wheeling, this young brother would go to Hannah 
with his troubles as to a mother, and seek counsel and 
encouragement. She sympathized with him, and talked 
to him as to a son. At length, after much prayer and 
pleading with God to open his way into the vineyard, 
suddenly an impression was produced upon her mind 
that, in a short time, he would be in the itinerant field. 
Such was her confidence of that fact, that she made it 
known to him, and encouraged him to prepare for the 
toil. He was overcome with joy at the prospect, yet 
could scarcely give it credit. But it so came to pass 
that the president had a vacancy to fill, and called him 
out, and he immediately obeyed the call. It is, there- 
fore, not by any means marvelous that he and Hannah 
were intimate friends. 

The plan of the meeting at Salem, during the week 
of the Conference, was this : They would preach and 
exhort alternately, and secure one or more ministers 
from the Conference to come out on the Sabbath and 
help them in the sacramental and love-feast services. 
They did so, and Mr. Reeves, Mr. Robison, and others 
went out and assisted them. Nothing remarkable oc- 
curred until Sabbath afternoon. Mr. Reeves preached 
in the morning, and Brother Joel Dalby officiated in the 
afternoon. It was intimated to him that some persons 
might unite with the church. Arid accordingly he 
gave an opportunity, not supposing that there were 
any penitents in the congregation. He called for volun- 
20 



230 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



teers to join the church. Suddenly, there was a rush 
made by seekers to the altar of prayer. They came in 
haste, as for their very life, blundering over benches, 
straight to the altar, as if the avenger of blood was at 
their heels. And all of this, be it remembered, without 
an invitation to penitents, or the slightest expectation 
that there were any such in the congregation. And 
the most remarkable of all was, that there was not a 
female among them. After a fair trial, by exhortations 
to duty and appeals to conscience, not a female could 
be moved to seek the Saviour. But the chief men of the 
village, and nearly every man in the vicinity, and in 
the country round about, came to the altar of prayer. 

This was the commencement of a most glorious re- 
vival of religion in New Salem, such a revival as is 
rarely experienced. The meeting could not be closed 
for supper; so the preachers, one or two at a time, 
retired for refreshments, while others carried on the 
meeting. One man, at night, after striving hard for 
some time to enter in at the strait gate, without success, 
thought, perhaps, that he could succeed better by him- 
self, and left the house and ran into the grove to pray 
alone. There, at the root of a large tree, in great agony, 
he prayed to God for the salvation of his soul. And 
soon his sorrows fled away, and his mourning was 
turned into joy, yea, all joy and peace in believing in 
the Lord Jesus Christ. He arose rejoicing, and shouted 
aloud the praises of the Lord, there in the grove by 
himself. Many others, however, were soon attracted 
to that place, and with the holy angels, rejoiced at this 
man's conversion to God. Such was the exuberance 
of this man's happiness, that no language seemed 
adequate to give it expression. For instance, among 
other strong utterances was the following: "O, that I 
had a voice like ten thousand lions, to make my brother 
hear all the way down in South Carolina !" The meet- 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



231 



ing was continued some time; the society there was 
built up at once. A meeting-house was afterwards 
erected, and a few years ago, the Muskingum Con- 
ference held its session in that place, and was well sus- 
tained. IN or was this all. Members joined the Church 
at other places, who were fruits of this meeting. And 
the best of all is, the fruit was abiding, giving practical 
evidence that the work was of G-od. 

A few years ago, at a Convention in Cincinnati, held 
by the M. P. Church, a delegate from one of the West- 
ern conferences, who was converted to G-od at the 
Salem revival, in a conversation with Rev. J. Eobison 
and others, with deep emotions referred to that memora- 
ble time. The fruits of that meeting may be found in 
many parts of the West. They can not be confined to 
time. In eternity alone, it will be manifested before 
the higher orders of immortality, how much good was 
done at that meeting, planned and mainly carried on 
by Mrs. Reeves and Brother Inskep. 



232 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



CHAPTER XIX. 

They are appointed to Youngstown Station. Here Hannah's 
laoors were somewhat circumscribed — Yet she labored in 
the pnlpit occasionally, in the social meetings, the Saobath- 
school, and in places at a distance— The second year, the cir- 
cuit and station were in one charge— Then she had work 
plenty — Was very active — Her controversy with three 
preachers of the Disciples' Church, first in public, then in 
private — All defeated — Another preacher defeated — The 
meeting at Sharon— Rev. E. S. Hoagland's letter — They visit 
several places as Evangelists — Meeting in Mount Vernon— 
Interesting occurrences— Great success— Meeting at Lower 
Sandusky— Glorious results— Various other meetings— They 
go on preaching to the ocean — They are going to England. 

THEIB next appointment was Youngstown station. 
While in that charge, Mr. Beeves being at home 
regularly, Hannah's labors in the pulpit were much 
abridged ; on that account a circuit seemed to suit them 
best. But she could not remain inactive. She would 
labor in social meetings and in the Sabbath-school, and 
visit other fields of labor as she might be wanted, as 
well as fill vacancies at home. We may therefore pass 
over this year lightly. In addition to her occasional 
services in the pulpit at home, which were always ac- 
ceptable, she traveled abroad considerably, and preached 
in New Lisbon repeatedly, where she was always very 
popular, and at Webb's, Franklin Square, Lima, and 
New Castle, besides protracted pulpit labors in Pitts- 
burg and Allegheny. She preached also at Boardman, 
jCoitsville, Yienna, and in Williamsfield ; so that even 
this year was not without its toils and its fruitage. It 
may be added that she preached at the Annual Confer- 
ence in New Lisbon. 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. 



233 



The next year, to accommodate the circuit, Youngs- 
town station was connected with that appointment, and 
a junior preacher appointed as an assistant. This ar- 
rangement opened a wide door for extensive labors to 
Hannah, as well as to her husband, and she gladly en- 
tered into it. And the places might be named, far off 
and near, where she labored acceptably and successfully. 
But as she had rendered much service iu this locality 
in previous years, brevity will be observed. Let a re- 
markable instance or two be given, illustrative of her 
peculiar character. 

The Disciples commenced preaching in Youngstown, 
and having no meeting-house of their own, they occu- 
pied the Methodist Protestant meeting-house occasion- 
ally. Here, of course, was free discussion, and repeat- 
edly, after preaching, as an opportunity was given to 
reply, the pastor engaged in brief doctrinal debates. 
The members not liking such desultory discussions, it 
was deemed proper for them to cease in that house. The 

time came for this proclaim er, a Rev. Mr. H from 

Warren, to make known their peculiar doctrines upon 
the leading subjects of their system ; it was announced 
that he would preach upon the remission of sins, in the 
M. E. Church. The people on the Western Eeserve are 
generally fond of public discussion. "Give every one 
a hearing," seems to be a motto with them. Accord- 
ingly a large congregation convened, and as Mr. 
Reeves' congregation was smaller than usual, he closed 
his meeting in brief order. And as they started home, 
Hannah proposed to her husband to go and hear what 

Mr. H had to say upon that all-important doctrine. 

But he rather gruffly said, a Xo; I don't want to go 
near them." She replied, "I do, for I want to hear 
what he has to say upon that subject." Then the 
class-leader said, " Yes, Brother Reeves, let us go ; for 
I would like to hear him on that question." u Well," 
20* 



234 THE LADY PREACHER: 

rejoined Mr. Reeves, "I am a republican, and yield to 
the majority. " So on they went together. And as they 
entered the house, the preacher was insisting that even 
the thief on the cross must have been baptized b}^ John 
the Baptist, or he could not have gone to Paradise! This 
was rather too much. At the close of the discourse, 

as was customary with those preachers, Mr. H ■ 

gave an opportunity for remarks. jSTo person spoke. 

After another little matter was disposed of, Mr. H 

repeated the invitation for any person present to make 
remarks upon the subject before them. Hannah looked 
significantly at her husband, and nodded her head, as 
much as to say : " At him, at him ; let not such bad. 
doctrines pass unexposed." But he shook his head 
and kept his seat. She then arose, drew her cloak over 
her shoulders, and walked up the aisle toward the pul- 
pit, where were three men of war. With the eye of that 
crowded assembly intently gazing upon her, and listen- 
ing to hear what she would say, she paused at a respect- 
ful distance, and calmly looking into the pulpit, she said : 
"If no one else wishes to do so, I would like to ask that 
gentleman a question." He arose and very politely 
gave her permission to speak. She then proceeded and 
said: "The question I wish to propound is this: If 
water baptism is so important and essentially necessary 
to salvation, as you have tried to make it appear here 
to night, sir, so that even the thief on the cross could 
not go to Paradise without it, how was it that St. Paul, 
the great apostle of the Gentiles, thanked God that he 
was not sent to baptize, but to preach the gospel?" 
That was a fatal stroke. He struggled hard to evade 
the force of it, but evidently could not succeed. The 
substance of his reply was this: "Yes, madam, I 
know well the Scripture to which you refer ; it is in the 
first chapter of St. Paul's first Epistle to the Church at 
Corinth, in which he mentions several families he had 



MRS. HA NX AH REEVES. 



235 



baptized, as the household of Stephanas." He added : 
" That is a remarkable fact in the history of every Bap- 
tist minister, in going to a new place, that he never 
forgets the first families he baptizes. 3 ' He manifestly did 
not even touch the question, insomuch that one of the 

preachers with him in the pulpit, a Rev. J. II , rose 

and said: "My brother has not answered the lady's 
question.*' Still standing in the aisle, and calmly wait- 
ing the issue, she then said: 4 * Sir. I shall be much 
pleased to hear your solution of the problem. He com- 
menced by noticing a verbal inaccuracy in her quotation 
from St. Paul. She replied, "I am aware of that, sir; 
I quoted the passage without due reflection. But I gave 
the substance, and that, sir, is sufficient." She then 
cited the passage again, more at large, and said : ; 'Xow, 
sir. please explain the matter." But he could not ; and 
that became so obvious that many in the congregation 
commenced to titter and laugh. Fearing that the as- 
sembly would actually break up in confusion, which 
they deprecated, especially on the Sabbath evening, one 
of the trustees arose, and begged them to dismiss the 
congregation. They did so. and of course, by general 
acclaim, the victory in the contest was ascribed to the 
lady preacher, to the amazement of some and the re- 
joicing of many others. When the service was over, 
Hannah said to her husband: ''Did you not observe 
how the people were receiving that heresy — swallowing 
it down like the }~oung robins do the food put into their 
mouths by the parent bird? But I have rolled a log iu 
their way, and they can not get over it." 

The next day, in a public place in Warren, the county 
seat, a clergyman from Youngstown spoke of this afiair 
with great gusto, and said that a lady had entered the 
theological arena with three ecclesiastical gladiators, 
and had triumphed over them. 

On Monday morning, after breakfast, Hannah said 



236 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



to her husband, "I must make haste and put away the 
things, for those Disciple preachers will be here soon, I 
have no doubt." "O, no," coolly replied Mr. Keeves, 
"they will not trouble you any more." "Yes they 
will," she rejoined ; u they will not let me off so easily. " 
"Well," he replied, "if they do come, do not look to 
me for help. As you have stirred up the hornets' nest, 
so you must fight off* the hornets." Of course he in- 
tended to help her if it became necessary ; but he did 
not promise to do so, neither did she ask his assistance. 

And sure enough, in a short time all three of them 
came, and they came to fight it out ; and the very fact 
of their coming was pretty good proof that they felt 
themselves worsted in the contest the night before. 
They appeared to be in a pleasant mood, so all was 
very agreeable. They commenced the discussion about 
nine o'clock, and continued it till noon — enr'h one of 
them for about an hour ; and Mr. Eeev ^ listened 
attentively, but said not a word. They did, indeed, 
search the Scriptures and criticise them ; but she was 
more than a match for them all. They flew much from 
point to point in the Old Testament and in the New, 
and especially did they fly to the Acts of the Apostles. 
But they found her well posted in all parts of the Bible, 
and she held them firmly to the literal historical facts 
of the Scriptures. And finally they candidly acknow- 
ledged that there was not one drop of water in St. 
Paul's commission, as recorded Acts xxvi. 18 ; and one 

of these gentlemen, called Bishop K , frankly and 

cheerfully said : ' c Well, we have talked a long while, 
and said a great many good things ; but the fact is, we 
have not yet answered Sister Beeves' question. And I 
confess that when I became a Disciple, that passage 
(1 Cor. i. 14 — 17.) was the hardest place in all the New 
Testament that I had to get over. But," he continued, 
"I came to the conclusion that if St. Paul had no com- 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



237 



mission to baptize, he always took with him some one 
that had." Then her husband, seeing they owned their 
defeat, broke out in a laugh, especially at the ludicrous 
subterfuge to which they fled. And to confirm the 
fact that St. Paul was not commissioned to baptize, 
another of them said: u Yes, I remember that an 
ancient historian says that Paul was a man of small 
stature, only four feet six inches high, and very much 
afflicted with sick headache ; so that it would not suit 
him to go into the water at any rate." u What!" she 
then exclaimed, c c and yet he was divinely chosen to be 
the great Apostle of the G-entiles ; and no soul could be 
saved without immersion! Surely the Good Being, 
then, must have been very much mistaken in the man I" 
This crowned the victory ; and Mr. Peeves then cited 
a passage from Julian the Apostate-his scurrilous de- 
scription of St. Paul — placing those preachers by Julian's 
side. And they all retired in perfect good humor, and 
shook hands with their conquerors, and bade both hus- 
band and wife farewell. 

Shortly after this, a sprightly but self-important 
theological academician, of the same denomination, 
from the East, came to town : and on hearing of the 
defeat of the three veteran preachers, expressed a wish 
to have an interview with Mrs. Peeves, supposing, 
apparently, that he could succeed in putting her to 
silence, although the others had failed to do so. So 
Dr. , a Disciple, and a very clever, social gentle- 
man, promised to take him to the house and introduce 
him to the lady. He did so, and soon the controversy 
was commenced. But the verdant youth could not 
stand the fire. She soon pressed him so hard with the 
pinchers of several proof passages, found in the Acts 
of the Apostles, that he lost his temper, and in an 
angry tone said to her, u Do you think, madam, that 
you have all the writings of the Apostle Peter?" To 



238 



THE LADY PREACHER'. 



this she mildly but firmly replied, "I think, sir, that I 
have as many of them, at least, as you have." That 
was enough for this young man. He and the doctor 
retired from the contest in rather a drooping, mortified 
condition. 

The following testimonial is from the He v. E. S. 
Hoagiand, and may in this place be appropriately in- 
troduced. Mr. Hoagiand is a minister of approved 
standing in the Methodist Church, and has been for 
nearly thirty years, having filled with usefulness and 
acceptabilit}^ some of the most important stations in 
the Church. 

" In the year 1840, I resided in Sharon, Mercer Co., 
Pennsylvania. At that time there was a small society 
of our Church there, of which I was the class-leader. 
That appointment was then connected with the Youngs- 
town Circuit, of which the Rev. William Beeves was 
the pastor. Our society invited his excellent wife and 
ministerial companion. Sister Hannah Reeves, to hold 
a protracted meeting for us. She accepted the invita- 
tion, and commenced and continued the meeting for 
several days alone. The house of worship was literally 
packed, and many people went away for want of room, 
it being winter, and cold. The meeting was one of deep 
interest. Although there was considerable prejudice in 
the community against female preaching, it soon van- 
ished before her superior intelligence, deep-toned piety, 
and thrilling eloquence. Christians of all denomina- 
tions acknowledged themselves greatly benefited and 
stirred up to greater diligence and devotion. The 
writer, then quite a young man, and only a class-leader 
in the church, at her earnest solicitation, sometimes 
announced the hymns for her, and led in public prayer. 
He was so quickened as soon, at her persuasion, with 
the sanction of the pastor, to enter the pulpit, even 
without a license from the Quarterly Conference. The 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



239 



simple facts were as follows : She was a woman of great 
penetration, and in this instance, almost a discerner of 
spirit, and of great fMelity. She saw and felt that I 
was in a state of spiritual declension, and on the Sab- 
bath evening, after service, she affectionately and faith- 
fully charged me with it, alleging its influence on the 
meeting. This thrust came unexpectedly ; but 1 faith- 
ful are the wounds of a friend. ' Then, after a long and 
earnest conversation upon the subject, she, like a skill- 
ful physician, discovered the cause of declension, and 
said: 'Sir, with your permission, I will tell you the 
cause of your decline. Now tell me, have you not felt 
it to be your duty to preach the gospel? And have you 
not been fighting off the conviction?' Surprising as 
were these interrogatories, the fact was admitted. Then 
she declared that she would not give sleep to her eyes 
till I promised to at least make an effort to preach. I 
consented, and the next Sabbath her husband published 
an appointment for me to preach in the Vienna meet- 
ing-house. The next fall I entered the itinerant min- 
istry. Thus, by the instrumentality and Christian 
fidelity of Mrs. Reeves, I was saved from probably a 
backslider's grave and a backslider's perdition ! 

"Her clear illustrations, eloquent address, and solemn 
appeals, are still fresh in my memory though years have 
passed since that memorable event. Sister Reeves was 
then in her prime, and her warm heart glowed with love 
to God, and flowed out with commendable zeal for the 
salvation of our race; and I have no doubt but the crown 
of her rejoicing is rendered more glorious by the results 
of this meeting. E. S. Hoagland. 

Smithfield, Jefferson Co., O., Nov. 19t7i, 1869." 

The next year, as their dear son Samuel had been 
taken home to heaven, and having no family encum- 
brance, they concluded to fill a long cherished wish by 
making a visit to their native land, particularly to 



240 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



gratify their maternal parents, who were exceedingly 
anxious for them to do so. In view of this visit, the An- 
nual Conference appointed Mr. Beeves Conference Mis- 
sionary, allowing him to visit all parts of the district 
where his services might be needed, and to choose his 
own time to enter on his contemplated journey to Eng- 
land. 

The friends at Mount Yernon were anxious to have 
them hold a protracted meeting there. They engaged 
to do so, after they had visited several other places. 
Hannah preached in Brownsville, Licking county ; 
thence they went to Pennsville, a place dear to them, 
and held a meeting there of several days' continuance, 
and had a gracious season once more, among those kind 
and warm-hearted friends, where Hannah's labors were 
highly appreciated. She next preached at the Spring- 
field meeting-house ; then at Zanesville quarterly meet- 
ing several times, and likewise at Clay Lick. Where- 
ever there was an opening, there Hannah preached with 
a willing heart and heavenly unction. 

Finally they came to Mount Yernon. There they 
held a regular protracted meeting for a full month, 
which proved to be, in several respects, the most re- 
markable meeting they ever held. A full account of 
this meeting can not be given. Some points of interest, 
however > will be noticed. A Congregational Evangelist 
had just closed a long protracted effort, and those he 
left unconverted had resisted so much light and truth 
that they were now apparently as hard as the nether 
millstone. Our church there was small, and upon the 
whole, at that time, not very influential. The meeting- 
house was an old frame, situated on a back alley ; so 
there was nothing attractive to the citizens in the house 
or its location. The meeting began with very unfavor- 
able prospects. For the first week, the preaching was 
directed exclusively to professors and backsliders. This, 



THE LADY PREACHER: 211 

for a time, aroused opposition ; a few members asked 
for their certificates. They were notified that they 
could not get them until the close of the meeting. Then 
these two laborers felt a burden of soul such as they had 
never felt before. Mr. Beeves said he never felt fully, 
until then, what the word responsibility meant, and 
would have given any thing in reason to have had it 
removed, but did not dare to evade or shake oflf the re- 
sponsibility then on him. He then changed his course 
of preaching, and delivered a long course of solemn 
discourses to impenitent sinners. Finally a fast was 
proclaimed. The devotional labors of that day were 
remarkable. On rising in the morning, came private 
prayer ; then the breakfast hour was spent in family 
prayer ; then, at ten o'clock, the whole church met for 
.social prayer in the meeting-house ; then, instead of dis- 
missing for dinner, they all continued in their seats, in 
secret, silent, solemn prayer, for two hours longer ; 
then they all met again, at two o'clock, in the body of 
the church, and prayed two hours more. At four 
o'clock they were dismissed, to go home and get some 
refreshment. They then returned at six o'clock, and 
prayed till seven, at which time Mr. Beeves preached, 
and they remained and prayed until midnight. All 
through this day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer to 
God for a revival of religion in the church, the conver- 
sion of sinners, and the overthrow of Satan's kingdom, 
a profound solemnity rested on the assembly, such as is 
not often witnessed. The church was truly in earnest, 
and God heard and answered prayer. That day the 
scale turned. Sinners began to come to the altar of 
prayer, and from that time on to the close of the meet- 
ing, it was like a paradise below. 

And many precious souls were happily converted to 
God. At the meeting Hannah labored hard ; she went 
into the work with all her might, and her fervent 
21 



242 THE LADY PREACHER: 

prayers and pathetic exhortations, as well as her 
sermons, did much good. During the meeting she 
preached eight sermons, but that was but a very small 
part of her toils. 

At this meeting a remarkable case occurred. One 
evening, after Mr. Reeves had preached, Hannah gave 
a most thrilling exhortation, in the course of which she 
related a fact which occurred under her own ministra- 
tions in England. She was earnestly engaged in preach- 
ing; a gentleman of wealth and high social position 
was passing on horseback. On hearing the sound of a 
female voice, with an apparent unction and power 
attending it, he reined up his horse to listen awhile. 
The Spirit of God smote him, and the conviction came 
home to his soul, that now was the time for him to 
make his peace with Heaven and secure the salvation, 
of his soul. But instantly the pride of his heart rose 
up in opposition to it, and he put spurs to his horse 
and rode on. But O, the sad result! Shortly after- 
wards he was brought down to the bed of death. 
Then the late call of G-od, and Lis positive refusal, came 
back to his conscience with overwhelming force, and 
produced a horror of mind indescribable. But the 
worst of it was that, with the bitter regret for slighting 
God's call, came a conviction that it was now too late, 
and that God had actually given him up for lost, and 
that the Holy Spirit was grieved and gone for ever ; 
that the die was cast, and there was now no mercy for 
him, and that he was irre trie vabry doomed to perdition. 
jSTothing could exceed the horror of his mind. Even 
that of Altamonte was not more fearful. He desired 
to have Hannah sent for, saying that he could not die 
till he had see that lady preacher. She went as ve 
quested, and on entering the spacious mansion, the 
ladies of the house gave her a look that indicated dis- 
pleasure, as if she really were the author of all that 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



243 



man's distress. She was conducted to his room, and 
there he lay in a gorgeous bed, but with the miseries of 
perdition in his soul. He turned and saw her, and with 
indescribable anguish of spirit, said: u Yes, that is the 
lady I heard preaching, and the Lord called me, but 
my proud spirit refused to obey, and now I am lost ! 
lost! for ever lost!" She approached his bed and tried to 
assuage his grief, by opening up to him the way of life 
fey repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ. 
But he positively refused to be comforted, insisting 
that it was now too late, and that his doom was fixed, 
and abjured her not to pray for him, to aggravate his 
torment before his death. 

Of course, the narrative of such a terribly distressing 
case, delivered in Hannah's impressive style, with 
* much holy unction, produced a profound sensation in 
the congregation. A young man, a Universalis t in his 
sentiments, in the rear of the audience, evidently to 
ward off his conviction, undertook to make light of it, 
and said to his comrades close by: "That was too far 
off; and we have only her word for it!" G-od marked 
that saying, and alas ! for his latter end. Probably the 
next day, it being a holiday, he went into a machine 
shop, and bantered a man to play a game of cards. 
But he was too busy; he, however, engaged with 
several others in a game of cards ; and while in the act, 
he was suddenly smitten by disease, and he threw down 
the cards, with profanity upon his lips, and said that 
he could play no longer. He immediately went home 
and took his bed. This was on Friday or Saturday; 
and on Sunday morning, both Hannah and her husband 
were sent for to see him die ! They left the pulpit, and 
went; and O! sad to relate, there he lay in all the 
agonies of soul she had described as belonging to the 
case in England. As if to heighten the scene, while he 
was exclaiming, with all the horrors of despair, u Lost! 



244 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



lost! lost! for ever lost!" a sister of his, who had 
been forward at the meeting as a seeker, had retired to 
her room to pray, and at that juncture she found the 
Saviour, and shouted aloud the praises of the Lord. 
Meantime, the mother, a poor widow, who was depen- 
dent upon her son, ran out into the yard shrieking and 
lamenting, and pulling out her hair, saying that she 
would be ruined — her son was dying, and she would be 
ruined! "Such a scene," says Mr. Reeves, "I have 
never before witnessed, and I pray that I never may 
witness such another." 

This lamentable death, as might have been expected, 
produced a powerful sensation in the community. 
Among the fruits thereof was the conversion of an in- 
fidel lawyer of the town. Some time previous to the 
meeting, he had held public debates in the town with 
an Episcopal clergyman, against the Bible. He had 
attended that protracted meeting, and in the preaching 
Mr. Beeves had aimed many a blow at his infidel sys- 
tem, in all its forms. But this man appeared to be 
armed with a coat of mail, and seemed to be able to 
resist all the arguments that came from the pulpit. But 
the awful death of the young man, and the circum 
stances connected with it, roused up all his powers of 
reflection, and got hold of his heart, and then he began 
to see Christianity in altogether a new light. Imme- 
diately after the funeral, he not only attended meeting, 
but went up near the pulpit. Seeing him there, Mr. 
Keeves went to him and said : "Well, sir, and what do 
you think of the great question of the truth of Chris- 
tianity now ?" He promptly replied : " I am convinced 
that opposition to it is wrong, and I am willing to try if 
Christianity is right !" " Will you please, then, to take 
a seat beside those seekers of religion?" " I will do it," 
was his immediate reply. Several evenings after this, 
while a number of seekers were at the altar, and a gra- 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 245 

cious influence pervaded the assembly, and the people 
were singing one of the sweet songs of Zion, this gen- 
tleman asked permission of Mr. iieeves to speak. Of 
course it was readily granted. He then arose and ad- 
dressed the audience, renounced his infidelity, and 
openly declared his conversion to Christianity in thril- 
ling utterances, never to be forgotten. He then ap- 
pealed to the church members for an interest in their 
prayers, that he might be able, by the grace of God, to 
convince the community, not by his statements and pro- 
fessions alone, but his reformed and exemplary life, that 
there is a divine reality in experimental religion. He 
said to Mr. Reeves afterwards, that it was not his logic 
and arguments that convinced him of the error of his 
unbelief, but that awful death. Said he, "I could 
manage to dispose of y our logic, but that dreadful death 
was a fact I could not evade. I plainly saw that God 
was in it, and I could neither resist nor deny it. And 
then I saw that Christians have a great advantage over 
unbelievers, in the all-important hour of death." All 
must see the utter futility of infidelity in the dying- 
hour, and that it takes Christianity to make life happy, 
death triumphant, and eternity glorious. Glory be to 
God for Christianity! 

The number of -additions to the Methodist Protestant 
Church at this remarkable meeting is not now remem- 
bered, but the ingathering to the Church was consider- 
able and valuable. Among them was Edward. A. 
Brindley, since well known as a valuable itinerant 
minister, both in the Muskingum and Pittsburg Confer- 
ences. Having an engagement to labor a short time 
on the Sandusky Circuit, they left Mount Vernon, and 
then the Methodist Episcopal Church commenced a 
protracted meeting, and received into their fellowship 
about one hundred members ; and the greater number 
of them it was said, dated their conviction at the meet- 
21* 



246 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



ing held by Mr. Reeves and his lady in the Methodist 
Protestant Church. To say the truth, this was a meet- 
ing of great value to most of the churches in the place. 
Persons became awakened or converted there, and then 
joined other branches of the Christian Church, accord- 
ing to their preferences. Eternity alone will disclose 
the whole amount of good done through the instrumen- 
tality of these two earnest laborers in Mount Yernon, 
during that protracted meeting. The whole is on 
record in heaven. 

From Mount Yernon they proceeded to Sandusky 
Circuit, and on the way they attended a quarterly meet- 
ing in Bucyrus. Hannah preached at Fredericktown, 
Belleville, and Bucyrus. They both preached at Tiffin, 
but soon left that place to hold a protracted meeting at 
Lower Sandusky (now Fremont), and they had another 
interesting, solemn, and successful meeting. Here, too, 
the struggle was long and hard ; but, by the blessing of 
God, victory turned on Israel's side. There were many 
backsliders there, and not a few speculative unbelievers. 
In a word, Satan seemed to have his seat in Lower 
Sandusky, and they had a severe conflict with the powers 
of darkness. But the success at Mount Yernon had 
given strength to their faith, hope, and courage ; so 
trusting in the Strong for strength, they entered the 
field in the name of the Lord, confidently hoping for 
success in their labors. Many remarkable incidents 
occurred, only a few of which will be given. Probably 
an appeal to Rev. John Souder's sketches of their labors 
on the Sandusky Circuit may appropriately be made in 
this place. This gentleman is a highly esteemed unsta- 
tioned minister of the Methodist Church, who still re- 
sides near Tiffin, Ohio. He says : 

"In the fall of 1840, the Pittsburg Conference of the 
Methodist Protestant Church gave the Rev. W. Reeves 
the appointment of Conference Missionary. Conse- 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. 



247 



quently it was his business to visit such places as might 
be regarded missionary ground. In prosecuting this 
duty, he found Mount Vernon, Knox county, Ohio, 
destitute of a minister for the time being, and proceeded 
to occupy the ground by holding a protracted meeting 
during the month of December, and over the new year, 
into 1841, with what success has been made known by 
others. 

"The Conference above referred to also appointed the 
Eev. John Mercer to the Sandusky Circuit, but he failed 
to come; consequently the circuit was left destitute of a 
preacher until a supply could be had. The Rev. "W. 
Reeves, learning this to be the case, came over with 
Sister Reeves to Tiffin, and commenced to labor here, 
and continued for several days, Sister Reeves bearing a 
prominent part in the services. Female preaching was 
quite 3, novelty in this part of the country at that time, 
consequently, when it was announced that she would 
preach, we would have a crowded house. But after 
hearing her a few times, the people were attracted from 
other considerations aside from curiosity. Her pathetic 
manner and directness of appeal to the understanding 
and conscience, with practical gospel truth, told visibly 
on the congregations. I remember there was an ap- 
pointment made in the month of April, I think, at the 
house of Brother George Shaull, four miles west of 
Tiffin, expressly for her, The day was pleasant, and 
the whole country around seemed to gather in. Sister 
Reeves made one of her happy efforts ; and I seldom 
ever saw a whole congregation so completely swayed 
under the power of Divine truth. 

"After spending a few days in Tiffin, Brother and 
Sister Reeves proceeded to Lower Sandusky, as it was 
then called — now Fremont — and commenced a pro- 
tracted meeting there, which they continued a month 
with very happy results. A goodly number were con- 



♦ 



248 THE LADY PREACHER: 

verted and added to the Church. Here Sister Beeves 
became very popular as a preacher, and faithful as a 
Christian laborer. 

U A few incidents occurred during this meeting, that 
were rather amusing, and yet not without some interest. 
There was a young man by the name of Davis pro- 
fessed to be converted. He was quite ignorant, and 
uncouth in his manners, but withal, he was full of zeal 
in his first love. He would speak and pray wherever 
an opportunity offered. There was a general excite- 
ment under revival influence, which I suppose caused 
some outside remarks. At any rate, this Brother Davis 
was praying in a morning prayer-meeting, when he 
used the following language : ' The people say Lower 
Sandusky is going to be capsized; I pray the Lord that 
it may be capsized.'' We were too much amused to be 
strictly devotional just then." 

In quoting this from Brother Souder, the writer adds 
a few words for Brother Davis. To capsize means to 
overturn, to upset, to turn upside down, and had a good 
meaning in that place, and on that occasion, for those 
who were turning the world upside down had gone into 
that town to hold a protracted meeting, and so far as 
they were instrumental in getting sinners converted to 
God, they were turning that little place in the world 
upside down. The fact is, God made the world right 
side up. Sin turned it wrong side up. Season is de- 
throned, and sense, passion, and appetite bear rule. But 
the gospel ministry is designed to turn this sin-dis- 
ordered world upjside down, put reason on the throne, 
and subjugate sense, passion, and appetite to the reign 
of reason, and all to the reign of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
This will be done in all the world, so fast as sinners are 
converted to God. 

Mr. Souder introduces "another incident, worthy of 
note, that occurred during this meeting. It was the 



MBS. HA XX AH REEVES. 



249 



conversion of the wife of the Bev. Thomas Hawkins. 
Brother Hawkins was a Methodist Episcopal local 
preacher, but, withal, a man of a liberal Christian 
spirit. He took a deep interest in the meeting, and a 
very active part, and well he might, for I believe all 
his family were brought into the Church through Meth- 
odist Protestant influence, himself excepted. He had 
been long plodding his way in the heavenly road alone, 
without the company of his bosom companion, and 
consequently she was the subject of many prayers and 
longing anxieties.' 5 Here I supplement a little from 
Mr. Reeves. He says she was of rather a peculiar 
turn of mind, and had conceived an opposition to the 
government of that Church, and had carried her oppo- 
sition so far that she said she should never obtain 
religion among them. She said, however, that if those 
liberal (meaning the Methodist Protestant) Methodists 
should come along there, perhaps she might be induced 
to seek the Lord. Hence the great anxiety of this 
good brother for her to embrace this favorable opportu- 
nity. She attended, and soon was brought under 
serious exercises of mind, especially under the labors 
and influence of Mrs. Peeves. "His prayers were 
answered at this meeting, and his wife, in deep concern 
for her soul, was brought to seek the pearl of great 
price for days before she found it. One day she went 
down into the cellar for some potatoes for dinner, and 
in the sadness of her spirit concluded to pray and seek 
the Lord just there. And kneeling down, she prayed 
with all her heart, and was enabled to give herself to 
the Saviour ; and she came up out of the cellar rejoic- 
ing in the pardon of her sins, and did not wait to bring 
the potatoes along. The old lady, in telling her expe- 
rience, would generally relate the story of going into 
the cellar, and even advise inquirers to go there to seek 
religion. To her no place was like the cellar. 



250 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



"This event set Brother Hawkins nearly delirious 
with joy, and increased his esteem for Brother and 
Sister Reeves to that degree that he would almost 
sacrifice his life for their benefit, especially for Sister 
Beeves, as he attributed the conversion of his wife 
chiefly to her instrumentality. As an evidence of 
Brother Hawkins" devotion to them, he having learned 
that they intended to make a visit to England the fol- 
lowing summer, which they did. drew up a subscription 
paper, and circulated it to raise money enough, if he 
could, to pay their expenses there, if not to return also. 
This timely aid. though it fell far short of the object, 
was gratefully received, and was of great benefit to 
thern, and was highly appreciated. I will here add an- 
other manifestation of the gratitude of Brother Haw- 
kins to Brother Beeves. What money was raised on 
their behalf would not suffice, and he knew not what 
to do. Finally he thought of his dear little. child at its 
mother's breast. And as these evangelists had no 
children, he thought that would be the best gift he 
could bestow. So the time was fixed for the solemn 
rite of water baptism, at their private dwelling. And 
Mr. Beeves was called upon to officiate and first dedi- 
cate it to God. and the child was to be called after the 
maiden name of Mrs. Beeves, for he said there should not 
be a bit of Beeves about it. though if it lived he would 
have no objection to its marrying a Beeves : and accord- 
ingly it was baptized Hannah Pearce. The ceremony 
over, he then took the child, and presented it to Mrs. 
Reeves as a gift, in grateful remembrance of her services 
to his wife. Of course, Mr. Beeves soon gave it back to 
its mother. Still the dear woman thought when the}' 
left town they would take the child, and she became 
very sorrowful at the thought of parting with her in- 
fant. Hearing this, Mrs. Beeves went and assured her 
of the groundlessness of her fears, and that she did not 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



251 



wish to take the child from her. At all events, she 
would leave it with her until after her return from Eng- 
land. And after leaving Sandusky, she never saw her 
more. 

"Another incident or two. The mayor of the town 
was the first one to come out to seek the Lord. He 
walked deliberately up the aisle in front of the stand, 
and drew off his overcoat and said : 'Brother Reeves, 
come and help me, I want to get religion!' He was 
subsequently made happy. At one time, when many 
seekers had found the pearl of great price, one young 
woman could not be comforted, and when others were 
blessed, she appeared to agonize the more earnestly, 
but no relief came to her. Still she continued to come 
forward, and appeared to be in deep distress, and some 
of the friends began, apparently, to feel hard at the 
Lord , that he should bless others who were in no greater 
earnest than she was, and still to her no comfort came. 
Knowing that God was no respecter of persons, that 
there must be something wrong somewhere, Mr. Reeves 
went to her and questioned her, and charged her, if 
there was any thing wrong in her, to confess it ; and if 
she did not, he would cease to pray any longer for her. 
Finally he struck the right key. 'Is there any thing 
wrong in your life, habits, or avocation, or in your 
temper and spirit? Is there any person that you hate, 
%r refuse to forgive V And in a moment she replied, 
4 Why, yes, sir, there is a young woman and I have dis- 
agreed, and I have said I never will forgive her !' ' Well 
now,' said Mr. Reeves, 'do you go right to her and 
make up, or I will cease at once to pray for you. ' She 
arose from her knees, and went to the young woman, 
who was then in the congregation, confessed her fault, 
and they forthwith mutually embraced each other, and 
in a few minutes the Lord blessed her abundantly, ami 
the people saw his glory — the glory of the only begot- 



252 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



ten Son of God, full of grace and truth, mighty to 
save. 

"This suggests another. Both of these preachers 
taught the doctrine of restitution, as a fruit of genuine 
repentance. The following fact also occurred during 
this meeting. A prominent official member, belonging 
to a very respectable as well as orthodox church, some- 
how or other was tempted to take in from the street a 
fine fat hog, and slaughter and appropriate the meat to 
his own family use. Whatever his misgivings at the 
time> it appears that he yielded to the temptation 
Time passed, the hog was missed, but no person sus- 
pected that he had taken it. Conscience, which had 
slumbered for a while, awoke ; and the deeply distressed 
and mortified brother went to a leading member of the 
Methodist Protestant Church during the meeting, con- 
fessed his fault, paid down the money with interest, and 
requested him to hand it over to the owner of the hog, 
begging him, at the same time, for the credit of the 
church, and the peace and reputation of his family, not 
to divulge the name. Of course this was done, and the 
secret kept in honor, save the preachers holding the 
meeting. He thought they ought to know the fact, 
and the fruit of their faithful labor." The writer must 
be permitted to throw in his wish, in this connection 
that such meetings were held in all the land, and that 
the consciences of all the rogues in the churches, an(l 
out of them, were faithfully roused up by the preach- 
ing ; then many an honest man would get his own 
again, principal and interest, and many a widow would 
have bread and clothing for her starving and ragged 
children. Men and women can not be true Christians, 
without making restitution, both of property and cha- 
racter, if it be at all possible to do it ; for Christianity 
is an honest religion. 

"And still another interesting case. A young lad v 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



253 



raised to speculative unbelief, and who had seen the 
error, and had made her peace with God, one evening 
arose and asked permission to speak, which, of course 
was cheerfully granted to her. She then turned round 
and faced the congregation, and addressed herself par- 
ticularly to the unbelievers present, and quite a number 
of them were there, and she knew them. She said: 
' You all know Julia Gould, reared in the very lap of 
infidility, yea, an atheist, as you all know. And now, 
gentlemen philosophers, I wish to make a$j. appeal to 
you, and I desire you to answer me. I have been 
taught to believe that chance, and not God, governs 
the world and all things therein. Xow, gentlemen 
philosophers, if this mysterious, undefinable power 
which you denominate chance permits me to have an 
intelligent, conscious existence in this world, are you 
sure that it will not permit me to have a similar exist- 
ance in another world? I find, moreover, that, on this 
side of the grave, my own happiness or misery is more 
or less connected with my own voluntary actions ; that 
if I pursue one course of conduct, I am happ}^ ; while, 
on the other hand, if I pursue the opposite course, I am 
miserable. And that chance, on 3-our theory, does 
permit all these things to come to pass, is undeniable. 
"Well, now, if that mysterious and undefinable power 
can and does permit such a state of things to exist on 
tfyis side the grave, are you sure that the same power 
will not permit a similar state of things beyond the 
grave?' And then, as if conscious of carrying the under- 
standing and the judgment, if not the conscience also, 
she made the following bold appeal : 'And now, gentle- 
men philosophers, I ask you here, before God, are you 
willing to die without the remission of your sins? If 
you are, any one of you now say so.' She paused for a 
reply; but no one seemed to dare make such an affirm- 
ation. And be it here recorded, that this gracious 
22 



254 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



awakening and revival, in a great measure, was attri- 
butable to Hannah's agency and industrious instru- 
mentality ; that, indeed, it actually commenced under 
her labors, especially among those speculative unbe- 
lievers. 

"Still one thing more. We have spoken of a most 
dreadful death which occurred in Mount Vernon, 
during the protracted meeting. A similar one took 
place at Lower Sandusky. If the cause was not the 
same, it greatly resembled it in the intense sufferings 
endured. A gentleman of great commercial business, 
elevated social position, and good moral character, was 
invited to attend the protracted meeting. The excuse 
offered was that he was busy. His warehouses were 
crowded and packed full of grain. The lake was becom- 
ing clear of ice, and schooners were coming up the 
river, and he could not neglect his pressing business. 
One Sabbath evening, however, he did go to hear the 
lady preacher. But he was called out of church to 
attend to some business affairs. Probably the next clay 
he went to Sandusky City on business, was taken sick 
and hurried home, and oh ! the bitter lamentations he 
made upon his dying couch — so similar to the other 
cases mentioned — that his soul was lost ! lost ! His 
friend H— — , who had sought and obtained the bless- 
ing at the meeting, endeavored to comfort and encourage 
him. But he positively rejected the proposition as use- 
less, insisting that the cup of salvation was for ever 
removed from him. With indescribable agony of spirit, 
he exclaimed, 'It's too late! too late!' It took several 
men to hold him in his bed while he expired, repeating 
the doleful words of wailing, and lisping the name of 
his friend : c O, H ! O, H ! too late ! too late !' » 

When well-attested facts of this kind come before us, 
it is deemed a duty to record them — spread them 
abroad, and hand them down to posterity, and by 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



255 



them, if possible, cause men of business to think before 
they reach the sick bed and the dying hour. ''For 
what shall it profit a man. if he shall gain the whole 
world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give 
in exchange for his soul?*' 

The Bey. J. Souderadds : "After laboring in this very 
interesting meeting at Fremont for a month, Brother 
and Sister Beeves returned to the neighborhood of Tif- 
fin, and held a meeting of some four days, at the house 
of Brother Henry Bosenberger, about four miles north- 
west of town. Here we had a precious meeting, but 
no conversions that I remember of. In the interval 
between protracted efforts, they had calls from every 
direction on the circuit for preaching. The circuit was 
very large, extending over parts of three counties, and 
according to the records which I have in my possession, 
there were fourteen organized societies. Beyond these 
bounds they preached in several other places. 

"As Fremont had the greatest amount of success, 
through the efforts of these two faithful evangelists, it 
became the center of attraction, and consequently 
they held a second meeting there in March, through 
which means the converts of the former meeting were 
strengthened, and the church generally confirmed, so 
that when they left them, they were in a healthy and 
prosperous condition, and continued to do well for some 
years afterwards. About this time, there was a dis- 
satisfaction that took place among a large body of the 
United Brethren in that part of the country, in a case 
they regarded as mal-admmistration on the part of the 
church ; or perhaps, it would be more proper to say, 
the case brought to light a feature in the government 
that caused dissatisfaction. "Without justifying or con- 
demning either of the parties, suffice it to say. the dis- 
satisfaction resulted in the secession of forty or fifty of 
the members of the church. And they agreed together 



256 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



to knock at the door of the Methodist Protestant 
Church for admittance. Knowing them all to be mem- 
bers of sterling worth, they were received. Among 
them were the Bosenbergers, Kemsburgs, Bowlers, 
Shaulls, and Bumples. In the transition, the United 
Brethren sustained a great loss, while, at the same 
time, the Methodist Protestant Church made, without 
seeking it, very great gain in so respectable a body of 
valuable members. 

"I believe Brother and Sister Beeves closed their 
labors in Tiffin in April, by holding a three or four 
days' meeting. About that time another incident 
occurred." I only relate it because it shows that even 
bigotry can be softened down, and actually overcome 
by female preaching. I knew that lawyer well. If it 
had been possible to have drowned all Methodist Pro- 
testantism in a spoonfull of water, he would have done 
it in honor of Methodist Episcopacy. The paper before 
me says : U A certain lawyer in Tiffin, who was called the 
out-door member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
because he never did belong to any Church, but was 
peculiarly bigoted in favor of Methodist Episcopacy, 
became very much interested in the preaching of Sister 
Beeves, and in token of his appreciation sent her five 
dollars. Other tokens of regard were shown by promi- 
nent citizens, which I can not now record with cer- 
tainty." This is not the only instance in which this 
lady's preaching triumphed over hard-hearted, sec- 
tarian bigotry, such as prevailed in those days. 

On the 2d of May, Brother and Sister Beeves left the 
circuit, having continued and labored with us faithfully 
from early in January to the time of leaving. Although 
they never returned to see their old friends on Sandus- 
ky Circuit, nevertheless, their names still live in the 
grateful recollection of their works of faith and their 
labor of love. And many who took sweet counsel with 



MRS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



257 



Sister Keeves on this circuit have passed over with her to 
the other shore, and are now free from sickness and sor- 
row, pain and death, where all expect, in a little, to meet 
them, to part no more for ever. Let us who remain on 
the shores of time be diligent, that we may make our call- 
ing and election sure, that so an entrance may be minis- 
tered unto us, together with our friends who have gone 
before, into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and 
Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

Brother Souder was a great admirer of the lady 
preacher, and of her he says, in the conclusion of his 
communication: "I regard the history of the life and 
labors of Sister Eeeves as part of the history of the 
Methodist Protestant Church. Hence I have taken 
the liberty I have." 

Before leaving Sandusky, they were urged to com- 
mence another protracted meeting, as the alarming 
death already mentioned had produced a deep impres- 
sion on the public mind. This they would cheerfully 
have done, only for the arrangements made to leave for 
England. Indeed, they had some struggling to get 
away from their Sandusky friends. This was natural, 
as they had many spiritual children in that place. But 
the time had come, and they must go. They preached 
their way to the seaboard, Hannah in Fredericktown, 
Mount Yernon, Springiield meeting-house, Wellsville, 
New Castle, Allegheny City, Pittsburg, Allegheny 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and in Philadelphia, for 
the TCev. T. H. Stockton, D.D. 

These co-laborers were firm believers in a special 
providence. Hence they referred all their concerns, 
temporal and spiritual, to the Lord in prayer. When 
about to leave for England, they had an excellent horse 
to dispose of, and they needed the money for the jour- 
ney. They offered him for sale, but no one wished to 
purchase. One man, knowing that they must dispose 
22* 



258 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



of him somehow, offered less than half his value. Of 
course they declined to sell at that price. Believing it 
to be the privilege and the duty of Christians to make 
all their wants known to God in prayer, Hannah, before 
leaving New Castle, earnestly prayed that God might 
send them a purchaser. And the next morning, as 
Brother W. Miller was taking her to Beaver in a 
buggy, the first long hill they came to, Brother Miller 
got out to get a drink, and to walk up the hill. And 
as Hannah was driving along, a gentleman on horse- 
back met her, and looked at the horse, and -then at 
her, and strange to say, inquired, "Is that horse for 
sale, madam?" "Yes, sir," she replied; "inquire of 
Mr. Miller, just coming in sight." He did so. The 
horse was stopped, taken out of the shafts, and tried in 
trotting, &c. The gentleman was entirely satisfied, 
took out his pocket book, and paid down the money in 
full, trusting to Mr. Miller to take the horse back, and 
they each resumed their journey. Now, if providence 
means God's care of his creatures, if it comes down to 
each hand-breadth in creation, if even the hairs of our 
heads are numbered, why call the sale of that horse a 
matter of chance, and not an interposition of Divine 
Providence? The money was needed, and God took 
this way to supply the wants of his confiding children. 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



259 



CHAPTER XX. 

They had a speedy trip to England — A joyful meeting with 
relatives — In a short time Hannah's mother died — They 
visited Mr. Reeves' parents— Both yet living— Mr. Reeves 
takes regular work among the Bible Christians— Hannah can 
not he inactive— Preaches in many places— They both show 
their loyalty to the United States on one occasion— God gave 
them another son, June 6th, 1842, in Great Torrington— They 
are "both active in the work of the Lord all the time, and at 
temperance meetings— They got Mr. Reeves' father to sign the 
pledge— Hannah's last advice to her father-in-law— On their 
return— Six weeks on the ocean— They land in New York, 
and hasten on to the Conference in Cambridge— Captain A. 
Devinny's kindness— His own "brother rescued from drown- 
ing—They are appointed to Zanesville Circuit — Hannah 
abundant in her labors— Both attend Brother Hoagland's 
meeting— Mr. Reeves' sickness— A severe spell — Hannah's 
intrepid venture as a nurse — Her husband recovers, but 
renders no more services on the circuit. 

IX July they left Father William S. Stockton's, hade 
adieu to friends, and set sail for their native land, 
on hoard the Shenandoah, a noble ship, and had a 
speedy and safe passage to the land of their birth. 
Their object was chiefly to gratify their maternal 
parents. As Hannah was traveling a circuit far from 
home when Mr. Reeves made her acquaintance, her 
parents were unacquainted with him. The father, ere 
this, had deceased, but the mother was still alive. They 
hastened home, and the greeting was happy indeed, 
and offered a feast of enjoyments to all concerned. 
Shortly after their arrival, the dear old lady said to the 
family one day: "Well, James is married, and the boys 
in Canada are all settled; I have seen Hannah again, 
and have become acquainted with Mr. Reeves. I can 



♦AgO THE LADY PREACHER: 

labor no more (she was a local preacher); my work is 
done, and I am of no more use in the world. I am now 
read} r to depart and be at rest." And in a few weeks 
her desire was granted ; she began to decline, and de- 
parted in peace. Mr. Eeeves attended her funeral, and 
wrote her memoir, which was published in the Bible 
Christian Magazine. 

They visited Mr. Eeeves' parents, also, both of whom 
were still living. They also spent some time among 
his friends in Kent. They then returned to the west of 
England, where Mr. Beeves labored successfully in two 
protracted meetings. Finding that their stay in Eng- 
land would be protracted, Mr. Eeeves attended a dis- 
trict meeting of the Bible Christians, presented his 
papers, and was accepted, and appointed to travel on 
Bedford and Torrington mission. They resided in 
Great Torrington, au old market-town in Devonshire. 
Of course, Hannah was not idle. Back among her old 
friends and acquaintances, she could not remain inac- 
tive, but preached in different places with her accus- 
tomed zeal and efficiency — in Bridestowe, where her dear 
mother deceased, in Brentor and other parts of the 
circuit, in Cranbrook, in Kent, in London, and in other 
places. On their way to Cranbrook, being in a kind of 
an omnibus, at a time when a national dispute respect- 
ing a boundary line between the United States and 
Canada was being carried on, a government official on 
board commenced a tirade against the u Yankees" 
and the United States. They both listened awhile, and 
soon felt their lo3 T alt}^ to their adopted country stir 
within them, and Hannah, in her own direct and 
pointed style, asked if he had ever been in the United 
States. Finding that he had not, she reminded him of 
facts, both in the past and at the present, and made 
such home thrusts that he appeared perfectly astonished 
and confounded. She left but little of the work on 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 261 

hand for her husband to finish up, and what he did say 
was only a mild comfirmation of Hannah 's statements. 

On the 6th of June, 1842, in Great Torrington, ap- 
parently as a reward to them for their filial duty m 
making this visit to their parents, God, in his provi- 
dence, gave them another son, the choicest gift he could 
impart. The Annual Conference appointed Mr. Beeves 
an assistant preacher on the Shebbear Circuit. This 
embraced the headquarters of the denomination, where 
their book concern and connectional school were located. 
Here their beloved son, Asa Cornelius Springer, was 
publicly dedicated to God in the solemn ordinance of 
water baptism, by Eev. James Thorne, the minister by 
whom the mother was brought into the fold of Christ, 
A son of the Eev. Samuel Thorne, the printer in the 
establishment, after the decease of their little son in 
the United States, wrote a beautiful memoir of him, 
which was published m their Child's Magazine. 

In this wide field, they both labored in protracted 
meetings with happy effect — one at Siloam, and the 
other at' headquarters, Shebbear. Hannah preached 
at many places — at Bowden, Siloam, Salem, Bethel, 
Langtree, Ebenezer, Shebbear, Frithelstock, Sheep- 
wash, and Widdon, and was made very useful. At the 
Siloam protracted meeting she was active and efficient. 
It was a time of great joy ; many souls were converted 
to God. At the close of this meeting, Mr. Beeves 
introduced the name of his aged, respected father, as the 
subject of special prayer. For half a century he had 
been frequently led astray by strong drink. Much pro- 
perty had been wasted, and much misery had been en- 
dured, as a consequence of this sinful indulgence. At 
their first visit to Mr. Beeves' native village, he found 
the same old enemy of all true religion and happiness 
still on hand, lurking in the neighborhood. The old 
social habits were not yet broken up, although there 



202 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



had been a temperance organization effected in that 
community. He ventured with much timidity, feeling 
all the time that the old gentleman was his father still, 
to moot the important question of temperance. But 
the father was too well backed by the indulgence of many 
professors of religion, and even Methodist preachers, 
to yield, and replied to his son that if they could not do 
without some stimulating beverage, or would not use 
the self-denial, how could he, a poor sinner, do it. But 
Hannah had great influence with him, and went to him 
in the garden, and talked to him very affectionately and 
faithfully. And this timely effort of hers, and the evi- 
dent answer of prayer, led the old gentleman privately 
to the secretary of the Temperance Society, where he 
had his name entered on the pledge for one month, to 
see if it were possible for him to live without liquor. 
This good news was communicated to them by one of 
Mr. Beeves' sisters, before they left the circuit. 

But the time came for them to leave for the United 
States ; so they went again to Mr. Keeves' native place, 
to take their final leave of loved ones, never expecting 
again to see them in the flesh. The friends of sobriety, 
wishing to avail themselves of the occasion, for the 
good of the cause in general, and for the personal bene- 
fit of Mr. Beeves the elder, in particular, got up a tea- 
meeting in a field, with a temperance appendage to it 
That meeting proved to be quite a social and interest- 
ing event. In due time Mr. Beeves was called upon to 
speak, and he delivered a warm-hearted and stirring 
temperance address. Then followed another good ad- 
dress by Mr. Jull, a lay preacher, and the call was then 
made for signatures to the pledge. A solemn pause 
ensued. Soon a sister of Mr. Beeves gave her name ; 
then came another solemn pause and almost breathless 
silence, when lo ! the father arose and stood erect, as 
if to summon up all his moral manhood for the effort 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



2G3 



now to be made, and forth he stepped, saying, as he 
did so, " Here goes for life !" and he signed the pledge, 
and he kept it inviolably nntil he passed away to the 
eternal world. That act gave William and Hannah 
good ground to hope for his eternal life. A sober 
man, faithfully abiding by his temperance pledge, was 
now in a condition to be savingly influenced by gospel 
truth, and become a spiritually minded Christian. 
Such, it is believed, this reformed man lived and died. 

Before the final farewell, Hannah again took occasion 
to talk to father Reeves in the garden, and urged him 
to pray much to G-od for divine assistance, assuring 
him that in this severe warfare an arm of flesh would 
prove too feeble. He needed help from Heaven, and 
she encouraged him to hope and trust in G-od, and his 
grace would be sufficient for him. With tears in his eyes 
he pointed to a green willow bower, and said : "My 
daughter, that bower was planted by William's own 
hands ; and to that place I go and kneel and pray, 
when no eye can see me but the eye of God ; and I in- 
tend, by his help to persevere to the end." She then 
assured him of an interest in her prayers, and promised 
him that while he held fast to the pledge, if his property 
did fail, to let them know, and while they had a loaf of 
bread, though the sea did separate them, he should have 
half. His reformation was thorough. The community, 
had confidence in him ; he attended the means of grace, 
and it is believed that he is now a sinner saved by grace, 
"for ever with the Lord." And thus Hannah was, 
under God, as is supposed, the chief instrument of his 
salvation. 

Early in July, they set sail from Liverpool to New 
York, on board the Silvanus Jenkins, a fine-looking 
ship, but old and unreliable. After going on board, 
Hannah tested her timbers with her scissors, and said 
to her husband, "Paint has deceived us ; she is an old 



264 THE LADY PREACHER: 

vessel." Nevertheless, seeing it was summer time, 
they concluded to run the risk, and continued on board. 
They were over seven weeks on the water, enduring the 
lulling of the calm, and the severity of a storm, which 
came on Sabbath, August 20th, 1843. As the ship was too 
weak to be held up to breast the terrific gale, the sailors 
had to let her drive, running fearfully at the mercy of 
the winds and waves. The captain, being of a super- 
stitious turn of mind, like # the old time seamen, be- 
lieved that one cause of the calms on Sundays had been 
the Jonah on board (Mr. Keeves), and that Providence 
held the wind in his fists that he might have an oppor- 
tunity to preach. That morning, as the wind was rising, 
he sent his steward to bribe the preacher with the pro- 
mise of the best fowl on board, if he would promise not 
to preach that day. Although they had been at sea so 
long, the promise of a chicken had no charms sufficient 
to extort the promise of silence. But perceiving that 
the gale was coming, he assured the captain that there 
was no danger of his stilling the tempest by preaching 
that day. They finally arrived in New York in safety, 
and apparently with less damage to the vessel than was 
sustained by others, nearly new and very strong, which 
came into port very much injured by the tempest. 

During their absence in England, the Conference had 
been divided into Pittsburg and Muskingum Annual 
Conferences ; and having been so long on the sea, when 
they reached Pittsburg, that Conference had closed. 
So they hastened on to the Muskingum Conference, 
which was then in session in Cambridge, Ohio. While 
descending the Ohio river in a steamer belonging to 
three brother by the name of Devinny, of Steubenville, 
an incident occurred worthy of note. It illustrates a 
special Providence, and the kindness of Capt. Devinny 's 
heart to the needy. A lady on board, who had evident- 
ly seen better days, was journeying to the far West, but 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 265 

from her reduced circumstances had to take a deck 
passage. But the company of emigrants below was of 
that class whose social habits and conversation were 
such as to render their society extremely disagreeable 
to her. So she ventured to request the favor of the 
captain to be permitted to sit back up stairs. That 
touched his manly heart; her request was granted, 
with the privilege, also, of eating at the second table, 
and sleeping with the ladies' cabin maids. According- 
ly she was sitting on the deck, in the rear of the ladies' 
cabin, as if on watch. And while there, about mid- 
day, as the captain was conversing with Hannah about 
England, their visit, and the voyage, suddenly a voice 
was heard — a scream from that lady: "My God! a 
man overboard!" The captain sprang to his feet and 
ran down, but his brother, the pilot, jumped into the 
boat, and rowed to the drowning man with all his 
might to save him. No one, as yet, knew who he was. 
Some said it was a colored man ; some said one thing, 
and some another, but no one knew with certainty. 
But it proved to be the engineer— & brother (one brother 
was captain, another the pilot, and the third was the 
engineer). Some one stopped the boat ; the steam, 
until shut off, produced great alarm, as it made the 
boat fairly shake as in an ague. Meanwhile all eyes 
were eagerly watching the pilot and his boat. He came 
to the place where the man sunk, and reaching over the 
boat, he barely caught the man by the hair of his head, 
and drew him up, when lo! it was his own brother, the 
engineer, who had been washing his feet, sitting on 
the side of the lower deck, lost his balance, and fell over- 
board. The pilot skillfully managed to get him into the 
yawl, and brought him in safety to the boat, and on 
they went, rejoicing and praising God. So the kindness 
of the captain to that lady, who gave the alarm, was 
23 



266 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



abundantly rewarded in the saving of his own brother's 
life. 

They left the steamboat at "Wheeling, and took the 
stage for Cambridge, where they arrived late on Satur- 
day night, or early on Sunday morning. They were 
kindly greeted by the members of the Conference, and 
their old friends in Cambridge generally. All were 
glad to see them back from the land of their fathers to 
the land of Columbia once more. And to them, that 
Sabbath was a high day of religious enjoyment in the 
house of God and among their brethren. In the even- 
ing Mr. Reeves preached for Mr. Ragan, from Psalms 
cvii. 30. Having been so long at sea, in the pulpit he 
preached like a sailor, using all manner of seafaring 
terms ; and on the land, for a time, some of us thought 
that he walked like a sailor, as though the waves of the 
ocean were rocking him. 

By the appointment of the Conference, they were once 
more placed on the Zanesville circuit, with Brother S. 
Lancaster for assistant preacher. Here Hannah labored 
regularly, from the 1st of October until early in June. 
She preached at Gratiot, Hopewell, Jackson, Browns- 
ville, The Temple, Chvy Lick, Witton's barn, Ander- 
son's barn, and Brushy Fork, besides an occasional 
service at the Falls and Mount Sterling Methodist 
Episcopal Churches. She was made very useful among 
the people. She also filled her husband's appointments 
on the circuit, in January, while he went and labored 
at another protracted meeting in Mount Vernon, which 
resulted in much good to the people of that place. 

Sometimes an amusing incident will illustrate char- 
acter. In view of this, take the following. It will 
show the ease with which she accommodated herself to 
circumstances. Her husband was from home with 
their horse, and she had an appointment at Jacktown. 
She borrowed a horse to ride. It was poor, and old, 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. 267 

and gray, and the bridle of the poorest kind ; the saddle 
was of the same sort, and the girth was a wretched 
thing, all tied in knots : all, taken together, made rather 
a comical outfit for a lady of good personal appearance. 
While on her way, on the National Pike, she met a gen- 
tleman on horseback. He noticed the contrast between 
the genteel and neatly clad rider, and the poorly capari- 
soned animal that carried her. He looked inquiringly, 
as if astonished at the rider, and then at the beast and 
bridle. She noticed it, and as he took a second, if not 
the third gaze at the odd appearance of the stranger 
lady, in the spirit of good humor and explanation, she 
broke silence and said : " Alas, master, and it is all 
borrowed!" She rode on with a pleasant smile, leaving 
the gentleman to his own reflections as to who she was, 
and where she was going, and what, perchance, might 
be her standing in society. 

In June, being requested by Rev. E. S. Hoagland, 
they both attended his quarterly meeting at Brother 
Cone's, on the Newark Circuit. Hannah labored hard 
at that meeting, which was held in a grove near the 
canal. She preached four sermons in as many conse- 
cutive days. It was suspected by some, that the seeds 
of disease which soon developed, were sown in the sys- 
tem of Mr. Reeves at this meeting. But whether so 
or not, they had a good meeting, and it was their hope 
that the good seed of the kingdom, sown by both the 
husband and wife, would bring forth fruit unto life 
eternal. They both loved to attend Brother Hoagland 's 
meetings, and aid him in his work, as it was in the main 
through Mrs. Reeves' influence that this good brother 
was brought out into the itinerant field. Hannah re- 
mained on the circuit to attend a meeting in Irville. 
Mr. Reeves returned to his own charge, and preached 
on the Sabbath. On Monday, while hard at work in 
the parsonage garden, the weather being hot and sultry, 



268 THE LADY PREACHER 

a copious perspiration was produced ; and on his way 
back to Newark Circuit, he was caught in a severe 
thunder-storm, and became very wet ; perspiration was 
suddenly checked, and that evening he was taken ill of 
a very sore and virulent disease, which came near prov- 
ing fatal. But by the blessing of G-od, medical skill 
and attentive nursing brought him safely through, close 
along by the gates of death. 

In all Mr. Beeves' concerns, the hand of Providence 
was carefully recognized by him. Even to the place 
where he found himself overtaken and cared for, in the 
dark days of his afflictions, he sees the special provi- 
dence of God. He says : ' ' Here again the hand of 
Providence appeared, in the place where I fell sick. 
If I had had the same disease at home, the parsonage 
being but one story, and a very low ceiling, and but 
one room, the chances apparently would have been 
against me. But I was taken sick at Brother Gersham 
Yandebark's, an elevated and airy location, a large 
brick house, high ceiling, and two stories ; so that in 
the heat of harvest, the room was comparatively cool 
and very comfortable. " The doctors decided the dis- 
ease to be a compound of ship fever, canal fever, and 
the old sinking typhus fever of an aggravated type. Two 
physicians attended him regularly, and they finally 
called in a third for counsel. Frequently he sunk so low 
that the doctors and two or three helpers rubbed him, 
and applied hot blankets to him, to keep the life in him. 
One Sabbath Brother Hoagland had gone to fill Mr. 
Reeves' appointment on the Zanesville Circuit, and 
Hannah engaged to preach for him, as the appointment 
was in the neighborhood. And all wanted to go and 
hear her preach. All went save a little girl, a daughter 
of Brother Yandebark's, who was left in charge of the 
sick. At that time no person apprehended any danger. 
But during the absence of Hannah and the family, he 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES, 



269 



felt one of those sinking spells coming on him; and 
fearing it would greatly alarm the child for him to die, 
and no person present, he contrived a plan to rally till 
the friends would return. He requested the girl to 
bring a bowl of cold water, and dash it in his face. He 
thought that would probably produce a reaction, and 
prolong life, at least until the friends would return from 
church. He accordingly directed the child how to pro- 
ceed. But, as might have been expected, the dear child 
feared to do it, and hesitated some time. But he in- 
sisted in his own weak way, telling her never to mind 
if she did wet the pillow. Finally, she took courage to 
comply, and did dash the water into his face, and it had 
the desired effect in rallying his system for a time. 

At length, notwithstanding the skill and attention of 
the physicians and the labors of his wife and friends, it 
appeared that death had come, and die he must. The 
leading physician was discouraged. He told Hannah 
that 4 4 it was a precarious case ;" that morning he told 
another "that Mr. Reeves would not live till sun- 
down." But Hannah, always ready for an emergency, 
asked her husband how he felt upon the subject — 
whether he had any peculiar impressions. He, suppos- 
ing she referred to his spiritual state, replied, "No, 
nothing remarkable." He was calm, serene, and re- 
signed, though not rapturous in his feelings. " I do not 
mean that," she rejoined. "I know all is well with 
you in reference to your future state. But have you 
had any presentiment that you are going to die now?" 
"No," he said. "Neither have I," she added ; "and I 
believe that even now, if you could be made to perspire, 
you might recover." She proposed to make an effort 
to effect it. She then asked him if he would be willing 
to drink a cup of strong tea, if she prepared it. He 
consented to do so. The tea was prepared, and he soon 
drank it. It raised the fever to a flame, and fearfully 
23* 



270 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



increased the pain in his head. She brought another 
cup of tea. He hesitated, but drank it also, and the 
fever became more furious. She encouraged him to 
patient endurance. A third cup was brought and 
drank, and he felt as if he were lying on a bed of coals, 
and that he could not possibly endure the agony he felt 
much longer. Still she encouraged him, and put her 
hand on him to keep the clothes over him. He 
groaned in deepest agony, and she pleaded and urged 
to patience a little longer; audio! in a minute more, 
the agony began to abate. A gentle perspiration en- 
sued, and in a few minutes the pain ceased, the fever 
was actually broken, and he was better ; and both the 
husband and wife rejoiced greatly in the Lord. 

Then knowing his extreme weakness, she allowed 
him but a short time for free perspiration, and deemed 
it best gradually to cool him off. When this was done, 
in due time she changed his clothes, and gave him a 
little nourishment, but fasted herself. About noon the 
doctor came in, and on approaching the bed, with 
astonishment he exclaimed: ""Why, Mr. Beeves, you 
are a hundred per cent, better than you were in the 
morning." And after due examination, he pronounced 
the fever broken; "and now with care," he added, 
"you may recover !" The doctor said he had changed 
the medicine in the morning, and it had had the desired 
effect. Hannah could not allow the doctor to be de- 
ceived, so she informed him what she had done. He 
heard it with astonishment, and said: "Mrs. Reeves, 
were you not afraid to do that?" She replied, "Ko, 
sir, I knew not the danger, and therefore felt no fear." 
"Well, madam," he said, "it is all right, as you have 
succeeded in producing a perspiration ; but if you had 
failed, your husband would have died a raving maniac. 
As it is, however, it is all right ; and now, with care, 
he can be raised up again. " This whole case considered, 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



271 



it is unquestionably true that this remarkable woman, 
by following the impulses of her own heart, was the 
instrument, in the hands of God, of saving the life of 
her husband. From the papers before me, I have 
detailed this whole case in order to show the intrepid 
character of that truly Christian lady — a woman who 
could swim an ocean of trouble where thousands of 
others would most undoubtedly sink beneath the surg- 
ing waves. 

Mr. Eeeves had a very tedious convalescence ; but, 
by God's blessing and good nursing, he was once more 
restored to health. He was, however, unable to preach 
again until after Conference. But after their return to 
Brownsville, in August, Hannah preached at Gratiot, 
"Witton's, and in Jackson. 

It has, no doubt, been seen by the reader of these 
pages, that it is not easily practicable to write the his- 
tory of Mrs. Eeeves' life and labors, without writing 
that of her husband too. These two became one in 
marriage; one in all their interests and labors; and 
those whom God had joined together, I have not under- 
taken to put asunder. As I have begun, so I must 
continue to the end, still, however, holding the lady 
preacher as much as possible in the foreground. 



272 



THE LADY PREACHER 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Mr. Reeves is transferred to the Pittsburg Conference— That 
Conference held its session in Fairmont, West Virginia— Still 
very feeble — Hannah is the driver of the buggy to that Con- 
ference—Some incidents by the way— Hannah preached twice 
at Conference — They are appointed to Ohio Circuit— The 
troubles on that circuit— Here was a fine field for Hannah— 
My own statement of the facts as to the troubles— This lady 
preacher did much preaching, each of the two years they 
were on Ohio Circuit — She went wherever there was a call, or 
an open door, and preached— She helped her husband much 
in pastoral visitations— The next two years they were in 
Pittsburg, Fifth street station— Here Hannah only preached 
occasionally— Her main work was in the Sunday-school— She 
did, however, go from home, and preached in many other 
places — An idle rumor, a mere gossip, caused an elder brother 
some trouble, and a visit to the parsonage — They had a 
revival, and were joyful — They had afflictions, and were sor- 
rowful—God called upon them to surrender to him their 
last son, Asa. 

AT the Conference, which was held in Gratiot, on 
the Brownsville Circuit, Mr. Reeves continuing 
very feeble, asked for his certificate, in view of going 
to the Pittsburg district. And as the Pittsburg Con- 
ference was to sit in Fairmont, Virginia, and as her 
husband was too weak to drive, Hannah left her dear 
son Asa, young as he was, with a kind friend in Browns- 
ville, to take him to the Conference in a bugg}\ It was 
a long, wearisome ride ; and from Wheeling the road 
was strange and very hilly. The Rev. C. Springer and 
some others, however, were in- the company. One 
evening, as they came near an old stopping-place, the 
Rev. T. Maple's, on Dunkard creek, night closed in 
upon them, and a thunder storm threw over them a 
mantle of Egyptian gloom, so that even the horses could 
not be seen, much less the road, only as an occasional 



MB 8. HANNAH REEVES. 



273 



flash of lightning threw a transient blinding glare of 
light, revealing the dangers, as they rapidly descended 
the long, steep hillside, occasionally verging close on 
the precipice at hand. They did, however, descend in 
safety, and reached the house just as the rain com- 
menced pouring down in torrents. ]SText morning, as 
they returned by the same route to the State road, they 
saw by the wheel tracks, how near they had been to the 
•jaws of destruction. To keep up with the company, 
and to escape the approaching storm, Hannah had gone 
down that fearful hill the night before, on a fast trot, 
in the dark, with her convalescent husband by her side. 
Here we may stop a little, and reflect on the perils the 
early itinerants passed through, and the personal sacri- 
fices they made for the cause of the Lord. Kay, they 
repudiated the idea of sacrifice, and gloried in suffering 
for Christ's sake. Hannah preached on the way to 
Conference, in Waynesburg. At the Conference she 
preached twice, to the satisfaction, interest, and profit 
of the people, and once at Barnes' School-house, on 
their return. 

The Conference received Mr. Reeves, and appointed 
him to the Ohio Circuit. This was a field of labor 
suited to the feeble condition of his health, having only 
two appointments, Eldersville and Bethel, and they 
were near enough together for him to preach at each 
place every Sabbath. He regarded this as an excellent 
little field of labor. But at this time the societies were 
in great confusion and distraction. This was occa- 
sioned through a secession of some leading members 
at Bethel, with the whole society at West Middletown, 
who went to the Wesleyans. During the raging of 
this storm, sad to say, but too true to be denied, both 
of the itinerant preachers of the preceding year, unable 
or unwilling to meet the difficulties on hand, fled from 
the flock and left them to the wolf. And some of the 



274 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



sheep that were left were ready to faint and die. Here, 
then, was a fine field for Hannah's pastoral labors, 
especially as her husband was still in quite feeble 
health. This noble-hearted woman threw all her 
strength of talents and Christian character into the 
work in good earnest. What would have discouraged 
some, only inspired a greater industry and a higher 
energy in her ; and in the pulpit, both at Bethel and 
Eldersville, and in private, from house to house, she 
was very successful as a peacemaker and healer of the 
wounds and bruises made by the Wesleyans in their 
attempts to rend the Church. 

About this time an occurrence took place which, for 
a short period, seemed likely to thwart all the efforts 
of the pastor and his wife at peacemaking, and intro- 
duce worse confusion than ever into the Church. As 
I was in a condition to have knowledge of this case, 
and being desired by Mr. Eeeves to do so, I will state 
the facts as I recollect them. I was at that time the 
President of the Pittsburg Conference^ and had been 
out ten weeks on the district. Ohio Circuit was my 
last appointment on the tour before going to my home 
in Steubenville. Mr. Eeeves had kindly brougbii my 
wife and G-eorge, then a little boy, to his house in 
Eldersville, to meet me, and be at the meeting. On 
Friday evening, in my buggy, I drove up to the door 
of the parsonage. Brother Eeeves received me kindly, 
and said that he was both glad and sorry to see me — 
glad to see me as an old friend and fellow-laborer in 
the ministry, but sorry, because he feared no good 
could be done in the present distracted condition of the 
Church. He said he thought the communion so broken 
that neither a sacrament nor love-feast could be held 
with advantage to the brethren. "Why," said I, 
u what is the matter?" Then he informed me that the 
trustees had allowed a political meeting to be held in 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



275 



the church ; that the meeting was disorderly, and had 
given gre.it offence to mam' of the members. So now 
some held with the trustees, and some were against 
them. The strife was great, neither party would yield, 
and he feared no good could be done. "But," he 
added, "I have an appointment for you to-night." 
He gave me this sad information with much emotion, 
and with tears in his eyes. Hannah, too, was sorely 
afflicted in mind at the state of affairs in the church, 
supposing that all her well-meant efforts for the peace 
of the church were now defeated by that political meet- 
ing. ^Vith these true and honest friends of the church 
I did most sincerely sympathize in all their sorrows. 

On Friday night. Saturday at eleven o'clock A.M., 
and at night, and on Sunday morning, with all my 
heart, soul, mind and strength, I strove to expound 
and enforce experimental and practical godliness on 
the church, but made no allusion to the troubles that 
were among thenr Nor did it seem to me that my 
sermons were going to accomplish any good ; all were 
unmoved, and as unfeeling as a rock. On Sunday 
night I changed my ground, left the church out of the 
question, and preached exclusively to sinners, from 
Luke xv. 7 : "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be 
in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over 
ninety and nine just persons, which need no repent- 
ance." I gave them that discourse with all my heart, 
and God was in it. TThen I was done, Brother Beeves 
arose to close the meeting. While he was hunting the 
hymn, the sinners, without an invitation, from all parts 
of the house came crowding to the altar of prayer, and 
the revival began gloriously. Brother Beeves seemed 
to be taken by surprise, and praised the Lord lustily ; 
so did his wife. They two were all the help I had at 
the altar, among the seekers, for some time. Among 
the members, confessions were made, one to the other, 



276 



THE LADY PREA CHER: 



and they forgave each other ; then all came to the altar, 
and entered heartily into the work, and God gave them 
a glorious revival of religion. It was quite extensive 
in that community, and it did not come in the usual 
way. We ordinarily expect revivals when the Church 
is in a ripe condition for them, full of faith, hope, and 
prayer. But in this case, the Chinch was full of strife, 
confusion, and unbelief, and no gospel truth would 
move them. In order to heal the Church. God reversed 
the usual course of things, and reached out after sinners, 
and brought them to the mercy seat. This, when 
nothing else would do it, melted down the members into 
penitential sorrow for their own evil doings ; then they 
sought and obtained forgiveness of God and each other, 
and came right into the work. 

On Monday, we had the hoi}" communion, followed 
by the love-feast. It was a glorious revival time. I 
remained until Wednesday, and can bear witness to the 
faithful efforts of William and Hannah Reeves, in that 
revival. The}" were both exceedingly joyful in the 
Lord, and in their happy experience found the language 
of the sweet singer of Israel to be very appropriate : 
"They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy. He that 
goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall 
doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves 
with him." These faithful workers had been sowing 
in tears, and I left them reaping in unspeakable joy, 
and returned to my home. I will here add — Faithful, 
devoted ministers need not despair. God usually works 
through the Church, but if the Church is in too bad a 
condition to be used by the Lord, he can, and often 
does, work without the Church, in the conversion 
of sinners. Who shall limit the Holy One of Israel? 
God worked without the Church in the days of Christ, 
and in the days of Luther, and in the days of Wesley. 
In each of those periods the Church was against the 



MR S. HA NX AH REEVES. 



277 



Lord, and he drove the gospel car right over the dead 
Church, and carried on his work, in defiance of the 
Church, and of the devil, too, who had craftily infused 
his spirit into the Church. 

On the Ohio Circuit, Hannah was a constant laborer 
throughout the year. The Lord had given them a 
revival, and in doing this, he had given her and her 
husband plenty of work in taking care of the spiritual 
children he had given them, and of the flock generally. 
Yet she was not wholly confined to the home work. In 
the month of March she attended a protracted meeting 
in Washington, where she labored hard and success- 
fully for the salvation of sinners and the Church's 
advancement in the divine life. On one occasion, she 
went over to Williamsburg, to deliver a gospel message. 
This lady preacher had an active spirit, and u she went 
about doing good." 

They continued on Ohio Circuit a second year, and 
the Church was strengthened and established by the 
united labors of both Hannah and her husband. She 
traveled abroad also the second year. She preached at 
the Stone School-house Methodist Episcopal Church, 
in their Church at Wellsburg, Virginia: at Morton 
School-house, Virginia ; at Sycamore School-house, also 
in the Methodist Episcopal Church ; and at Pittsburg, 
with her husband, at a protracted meeting, where they 
had a gracious revival, in the Fifth street station of the 
Methodist Protestant Church. This resulted in their 
call to that station the following year. She also 
preached in Steubenville, and at Tucker's Methodist 
Episcopal Church; in Wells ville; at a School-house near 
Bro. Desellenvs, Ohio ; at Andrew Pierce's Methodist 
Episcopal Church; in Monongahela City, too, she 
preached, both in the Cumberland Presbyterian and in 
the Methodist Episcopal churches. This remarkable 
woman went wherever she was called, or found an 
24 



278 



THE LADY PREACHER 



open door. She ate no idle bread, but labored fully up 
to her strength, and often beyond her strength, for the 
good of the Church, and to save souls. 

In addition to all this traveling and laboring abroad, 
and occasional preaching at home, religious visitings 
among all classes of the citizens were found to be abun- 
dantly useful. Hannah often accompanied her husband 
in his pastoral visits in the village and in the county ; 
and she insisted that they should not pass by a single 
dwelling, let the families belong to the Church or not, 
and even whether they were believers or unbelievers. 
Mr. Reeves could scarcely bring his mind to that ; but 
she persisted, and said that Grod had passed by none, 
neither ought they. On one occasion, she had hard 
work to persuade her husband to call at a house ; but 
her appeals prevailed, and both afterwards rejoiced. In 
Eldersville, at that time, there was much wickedness. 
Mr. Reeves had faithfully, in preaching, rebuked the 
sins of that community, among them inebriety, Sabbath 
breaking, fox-hunting on Sunday, &c. One man. fond 
of these sports and habits, had threatened personal 
violence, and that man he inclined to pass by in their 
course of visits. But Hannah insisted that, bad as he 
was, he was a man ; and though a very wicked one, 
Jesus died to save him, and they must not pass him by. 
He reluctantly yielded. The man took off his apron, 
left his shop, went into the house, and received them 
with apparent pleasure. Mr. Reeves had said that 
there was no use in a man being as wicked as he was, 
and it was equally useless to call ou him. But even in 
this case, faith proved more profitable than unbelief. 
He had no confidence in the effort, and let his wife take 
the lead in the conversation, which she gladly did, her 
heart sincerely yearning for his salvation, even if he 
had threatened her husband for discharging his duty 
in the pulpit. Indeed, that fact did but intensify her 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 279 

solicitude to save him. How much of the spirit of 
Christ was manifested in her course toward that man I 
Here was a real effort to "overcome evil with good." 
She talked to him faithfully and affectionately, and he 
evidently felt it and appeared to be grateful for it. He 
seemed to be quite subdued, and pointing to a small 
boy, he said: "That little flaxen-headed fellow gave 
me a more severe reproof than ever I got from the 
pulpit. Though I sometimes swear myself, I do not 
want my children to do it, especially when so young as 
he is. One night the black cat scratched him, and he 
swore bitterly. That shocked me very much, and I 
reproved him for it severely. He then looked up at me 
most impertinently, and said: 'Dad, if you will quit 
swearing, I will.' That struck me to the heart." 
"What an illustration this is of the impotency of our 
precepts, when not enforced by good example. That 
man evidently experienced a change of heart, became 
a member of the church in that place, and when the 
Pittsburg Annual Conference was held in Eldersville, a 
few years ago, he was the sexton of the church. 

JSTow let us learn a lesson from this case. This man 
had threatened the preacher with personal violence 
for rebuking his wickedness from the pulpit. The 
preacher, in his visitations, would have passed him by, 
but his wife said G-od had not passed him by, and Christ 
had died for him, and they must visit him, as well as 
others. With a reluctant consent, the preacher went 
in along with his wife, and sat there in silence. But 
his wife talked to that sinner faithfully and affection- 
ately concerning the salvation of his soul, and he be- 
came a Christian, and united with the Church. Kow 
the question is, Which of the twQ, the preacher or his 
wife, was the best friend of this wicked man? If you 
say the wife, then in the language of Christ I say, u Go 



280 THE LADY PREACHER: 

thou and do likewise." The lady preacher set a better 
example than her husband. 

The next two years they spent in the First Methodist 
Protestant Church in Pittsburg. Here, it being a station, 
and Mr. Reeves, the pastor, constantly at home, the 
pulpit labors of his wife were very much abridged. Yet 
she preached occasionally, and once in Fifth Street, by 
an official request, at the time of a protracted meeting 
She preached also in the G-erman meeting-house, out in 
"Scott's Field," where the foundation was laid for the 
Second, now called the Third Methodist Church, Fifth 
Avenue. She extended her labors to Sharpsburg, Bir- 
mingham, and Connellsville. But her general and 
greatest labors in Pittsburg were in the Sabbath-school, 
in an interesting Bible-class of young gentlemen and 
ladies. In this sphere of religious labor she was very 
efficient and useful. 

Some time after their arrival in the Fifth Street Sta- 
tion, an amusing incident occurred. An aged and 
venerable brother, intelligent and refined, and yet, 
withal, of liberal views and sentiments, by the floating 
gossip which the tongue of envy had put in motion, had 
been led to fear that the Methodist Protestant Church, 
now having a lady preacher in the parsonage, was about 
to be brought under a kind of gyneocracy, or female 
rule. In other words, that Hannah would rule her 
husband, while her husband ruled the church, so that 
both her husband and the church would be under her 
government. This, he apprehended, would be very 
injurious, if not ruinous to the church. This aged 
brother trembled with anxiety and fear. So he set him- 
self to watch all the movements of the lady preacher, 
and after various vigils and weary weeks of observation, 
he could find nothing amiss in Mrs . Beeves ; but, on the 
contrary, he found her like an angel of mercy and good 
will, laboring incessantly to do good among the people, 



MRS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



281 



and be a true yoke-fellow with the pastor, assuming no 
undue authority over the church or any of its members. 
He became satisfied that the idle rumor by which he 
had been influenced was entirely without foundation. 
And feeling much mortified at being so deceived, he 
went one morning to the parsonage to make a frank 
acknowledgment of his error. He rang the door bell, 
which was soon answered. He said he wished to see 
Mrs. Keeves privately, on a little special business. In 
a few moments she was in the back parlor, cheerful and 
glad to see him. He then informed her of the import 
of his morning call ; that he had a penitent confession 
to make, and that he had come to ask her pardon. 
Astonished at all this, she desired an explanation, for 
she knew no cause for such humiliation on his part. He 
then disclosed the whole matter, and asked her forgive- 
ness, and apparently would have given the names of the 
authors of the gossip, but she requested him not to do 
it, supposing it best for her not to know them. As she 
knew the whole matter to be untrue, she cared but little 
about it, but left her course in life to be her vindication. 
After speaking a few words for his spiritual consolation, 
they separated as friends for life. After that the lauda- 
tions of that brother ran a good parallel with his former 
apprehensions. That Mrs. Reeves was a good and 
faithful counselor to her husband, will be admitted by 
all who knew them, but that she ever undertook to con- 
trol him in matters of church government, lies be} T ond 
the reach of proof. 

They had a gracious revival of religion. Many peni- 
tents were at the altar of prayer, and quite a number 
were converted and added to the church. These two 
years were regarded by them as among the happiest 
of their entire life. Still the rose had its thorns. Their 
cup of enjoyment was not an unmixed cup. Afflictions 
found them out in this pleasant garden of the Lord. 
24* 



282 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



They were called upon to surrender up to the G-od who 
gave him their beloved son Asa. Could Isaac have 
been more dear to Abraham than Asa was to them? 
He was the son of their advanced life, and they regard- 
ed him as a gift of Providence, if not a promised son — 
a reward for their filial duty in crossing the broad ocean 
to visit their aged parents in England. Hence they 
had hoped to raise him for the Lord. But their hopes 
were cut off. This was the third time they had lost an 
only child. This, to them, was a fiery trial. The case 
was dreadfully aggravated by the circumstances attend- 
ing his decease. 

In the latter part of September, 1847, the child was 
taken sick. To all appearance, it was a severe cold, 
attended by a hoarseness. The family physician was 
called, but as he was about leaving the city for awhile, 
he suggested another of the same school. He came 
and pronounced it scarlet fever, and treated the child 
accordingly. The parents, fearing the croup, as their 
son Samuel died of that dreadful disease, endeavored 
to prevent its approach by cleansing the stomach ; but 
the child grew worse, and one night Mr. Reeves went 
to the physician in charge, and desired a medical coun- 
cil. He consented to have one. Then taking a watch- 
man as a guide, he went to Dr. Addison, who was 
considered a leading physician in Pittsburg. The 
watchman rang the bell, and the doctor raised the sash 
in the third story, and asked if he had the child there. 
" What !" said Mr. Reeves, " Doctor, I could not bring 
a sick, if not dying child out of doors in the night, and 
it pouring down rain." The doctor replied, U I can 't 
go out at night. If you had the child with you, I 
would go down and see it;" and put down the sash. 
Cool comfort, this, to the heart of the distressed father. 
He then asked the watchman for the next physician. 
He named Dr. Eddington ; they went to him, and he 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 283 

inquired what doctor had attended the child. Being 
informed, he declined going, because they had no deal- 
ings with that medical school (the Eclectic). The dis- 
tressed father pleaded hard, and even offered to dismiss 
the other doctor if he would go. But he was as callous 
as a rock, and utterly refused to go. Who can imagine 
the feelings of the father at this refusal? The heart of 
the watchman was now touched, and he said: "Come 
with me, and I will take you to my family physician, 
Dr. Reynolds, and he is as good as any of them ; and 
he will go, he will not care who you have had." They 
went, and he also declined to go ! The distressed father 
actually had to return home without a doctor. When 
all these failures were reported at home, who could 
describe the agony of the mother's heart? They then 
worked with the dear child until the break of day, 
when, at the instance of Hannah, a friend was called 
up from his bed and sent for a doctor. He brought Dr. 
Eddington, the second one who had refused to come 
the previous night. He would have come before, he 
said, if he had known that it was a minister who 
wanted him. Even then he hesitated at the door, until 
he was assured that the former doctor should not 
interfere. Meanwhile the mother exclaimed, "Doctor, 
do come in and try to save my dear child. Do n't stand 
there hesitating." He went in, and pronounced the 
disease the croup, and then past recovery, and said 
had he been there six hours sooner, he could have saved 
the child. But alas ! it was then too late. Eroni his own 
lips, therefore, let it be recorded that if he had obeyed 
the call given in the night, he might have saved the 
child. How indescribable the anguish endured by both 
these parents! Had every thing been done that might 
have been done, they could have considered it the will 
of God to take the child. But who could believe it to 
be his will, that these doctors should merely, on the 



2S4 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



ground of professional etiquette, suffer the child to die? 
To these parents, then, overwhelmed with grief, it was 
as if their beloved son, the prospective prop of their 
declining days, had been most wickedly sacrificed, 
througli the neglect or the professional etiquette of the 
doctors. About one o'clock in the morning of October 
1st, the dear child passed away to heaven without a 
struggle or a groan. For so young a child, he appeared 
to have most rapturous views of the heavenly world. 
When near the final close, he raised up and gazed up- 
ward, and shouted : "Come on, papa, come on : and I 
want Mr. Stockton to come on, too." Having uttered 
these words, the angels took him home. I have no 
paper that tells this child's age ; perhaps he was in his 
fifth year. 

This was the sorest trial of Mrs. Beeves' life. Taking 
all the facts and circumstances into consideration, it 
was indeed a fiery ordeal. But she endured it with 
Christian fortitude, and became still more active in the 
interest of the Church. And according to the desire of 
the trustees, she, with another lady member, went out 
among the congregation, and raised the money to make 
some alterations in the meeting-house, such as taking 
down the high pulpit, and modernizing the place. The 
kindness of the members of the Fifth Street Church, 
together with their congenial society, so endeared them 
to Mrs. Reeves that they ever after appeared more like 
near and dear kindred than religious friends, and that 
church, to her, did, at all times, seem like a sacred 
home, where she was sure to find sympathy in time of 
need. 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



285 



CHAPTER XXII. 

They were appointed to the Allegheny Station—The exercise 
of discipline "brought some trouble — A protracted meeting did 
good— The atmosphere unhealthy— Mr. Reeves' health failed 
—Hannah then had plenty of work— Her health, too, was 
quite feeble— She attented a meeting in Washington County- 
Preached in several other places— At last her health "broke 
down— She was very low— This, to them both, was a year of 
affliction— Next year in Manchester Circuit— A good field of 
labor— Hannah in the circuit, and in other places— Success 
attends their toils— The next year Mr. Reeves is appointed 
Conference Missionary— Hannah now more abundantly active 
— Mr. Reeves labors on Waynesburg Circuit — When sick his 
wife did the preaching — By request she preached at Confer- 
ence — In New Brighton — Its history — A revival — Hannah's 
labors — Conference failed in its engagement — They leave 
with sorrow — In Fairmont — Hannah abundant in labors — She 
visits Baltimore— Occurrence during Conference in that city. 

THE next year, through the influence of valuable 
and trustworthy friends, Mr. Reeves was induced 
to serve the Allegheny Station. But through some dis- 
cordant elements, and the honest endeavors to exercise 
a little wholesome moral discipline, trouble came upon 
him. Both the pastor and his wife labored hard, how- 
ever, and faithfully endeavored to do their duty, and 
trust in G-od for success. In December, they held a 
protracted meeting, and under the circumstances, they 
had quite a successful time. A number of souls were 
converted and added to the Church. It is true that 
some fell away — backslided into sin — but the gain of the 
Church was greater than her loss, and it was a time of 
encouragement and strength to all the faithful members. 

Though the cholera was not raging in the city, the 
atmosphere appeared to be deficient in the vital ele- 
ments, and it was hard for ministers to labor in pro- 



286 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



tracted efforts and revival meetings, and Mr. Reeves 
ran down in health. He labored on until the pendulum 
of life nearly stood still. A physician finally accom- 
panied him from the church to his chamber, where he 
lay a long time, with life trembling in the balance. 
The Rev. J. Robison also, at the same time, was sick 
nearly unto death, in the Fifth Street Station, Pittsburg. 
Here, then, was work enough for Hannah, and the Lord 
enabled her to do it. Her husband was raised up again, 
and during the summer her health suffered much ; but 
still she labored on as long as she could. Nothing but 
absolute prostration could put a stop to her toils. In 
the spring, when her health was quite feeble, she 
attended a meeting in Washington county, and labored 
with her accustomed zeal. She returned in safety, 
somewhat recruited, and continued to work for Christ 
wherever there was an open door. She preached in the 
African Methodist Episcopal Church, Allegheny; in 
Arthur's Church; then in the School-house up the 
run ; then in -New Brighton, Freedom, Cookstown, as 
well as Allegheny station. But, ultimately, disease 
brought her low ; her life hung in doubt every hour. 
The cholera had fast hold of her, and when checked in 
one form, it suddenly assumed another. Finally , on 
Saturday afternoon, it showed itself in the form of a 
nervous cough, and at the close of a paroxysm of six 
hours' continuance, the system suddenly gave way, her 
under jaw fell down, and every nerve twitched as if soul 
and body were parting. Still sensible, she motioned to 
one present to hand her the brandy (it had been the 
means of keeping life in her for several days) and she 
held up her jaw with one hand, while she held the 
tumbler of brandy with the other, and drank it. That 
rallied her system, and saved her life. But for this she 
must have expired before the doctor came to her relief. 
Brandy is only good in the right place, namely in sick- 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



287 



ness. Mrs. Beeves was a lady of good sense, and used 
the brandy at the right time, and for the right purpose, 
and it was the means, by the blessing of God, of saving 
her valuable life. For people in sound health to use 
brandy, or any other intoxicating liquor, is the direct 
way to destroy valuable lives and immortal souls. 

"Upon the whole, therefore, though they both labored 
hard, and good was done in the Allegheny station, this 
may be written down as a year of affliction. And 
though they were officially requested to remain another 
year, yet the Conference, in its judgment, deemed it 
best to appoint them to the Manchester Circuit. This 
was an excellent field of labor, including many noble- 
hearted members, and the plan of the work was con- 
venient for the preacher. They had a gracious awaken- 
ing and some conversions at one appointment, and some 
additions at another. On this circuit, Hannah did all 
she could for the benefit of the cause of Christ. Her 
health seemed to be on the decline. She preached at all 
the three appointments, and also at Desellem's School- 
house, in Ohio. She likewise visited Xew Brighton, 
and preached there. The health of Mr. Beeves, for a 
while, was not fully restored, and they had on this 
circuit some afflictions, mingled with much pure enjoy- 
ment. 

In ecclesiastical arrangements, where a regular cir- 
culating ministry is provided for, the law of expediency 
comes in, and apparently renders it necessary that, in 
order to accommodate one preacher or place, another 
must be incommoded; so it was here, and the Con- 
ference had reasons for its action in the premises, which 
did not imply anything amiss in the character, talents, 
or usefulness of either Mr. Beeves or his lady, in their 
removal from Manchester Circuit. He took the relation 
of Conference Missionary for the ensuing year. Here, 
again, Hannah became more active in public, and she 



288 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



traveled and preached constantly. She labored in 
Wellsville, Ohio, Amity, Pennsylvania, Union Meeting- 
house. Waynesburg, and the Round School-house. The 
last three were on the Waynesburg Circuit ; and as 
that circuit had but one preacher, and the health of 
Mr. Reeves was quite feeble, he consented to tarry 
with that people the remainder of the year, as an assist- 
ant preacher, the Rev. H. Palmer being the superin- 
tendent. This was a large and open field of usefulness, 
and a successful year. 

Here, also, a new sphere of benevolent activity 
opened to Hannah, and she readily entered it. As 
they were here without their household goods, they 
agreed to board among the members. At a large farm- 
house, the wife and mother of a large family of children 
was at that time mentally afflicted. The husband was 
almost worn down waiting on the afflicted wife, and 
could obtain little or no rest ; and the daughters could 
have but little influence over their beloved mother. 
Hoping that Hannah might exercise an influence over 
her, they were earnestly requested to go there first. They 
did so, and remained there till Conference. The first 
night neither of them could have much repose. They 
occupied the adjoining room, and such were the un- 
earthly wailings of that dear woman, that they could 
not compose themselves to sleep. Next evening Han- 
nah talked to her, and reasoned with her, and assured 
her that the Lord would be with her, and Mr. Reeves 
would pray for her. She prevailed upon her to take her 
supper, and at bed-time soothed her, and bid her lie 
clown and go to sleep, adjusting the clothes, and, in a 
word, treating her like a child. She did go to sleep, and 
had a good night's rest, and, for the first time for 
months, her husband also had a good sleep. The dear 
woman also was averse to taking proper nourishment, 
under the impression that she was full of evil spirits ; 



MBS. HANNAH BEEVES. 289 

and that when she took food, it only strengthened them 
to torture her, instead of nourishing her. Hannah met 
that difficulty, also, and overcame it. Then the dear 
woman wanted to fast and pray, that they might be 
ejected or starved. Hannah managed that, also, and 
they both fasted awhile ; but she craved the pipe (for 
she was a great smoker). This was refused during the 
abstinence, as being offensive to G-od to pretend to fast, 
and still smoke! Finally, the craving for tobacco was 
so strong that she was willing to have the vow of absti- 
nence from food absolved, in order to have the pipe. That 
cured her of wishing to fast. One day she said to Mrs. 
Beeves, " I do want to kill you so bad, but I know I ought 
not." Not the least alarmed, Hannah humorously re- 
plied: "Why, Sister Gordon, you do not want to hurt 
me, do you? And you know it would hurt me to kill me ! 
If you want to be killing something so badly, try first to 
kill that old dog V She seemed ashamed, and gave up 
that idea, too. To occupy her mind, Hannah got her 
to run races with her in knitting, letting her beat occa- 
sionally, and in many ingenious ways led her along. 
Finally, in the winter she insisted on - her taking a 
sleigh-ride, and going to see a widowed sister whom she 
had not seen for some time — not since the death of her 
husband. It required a little coerced persuasion, after 
she was dressed, to get her into the sleigh ; but they 
succeeded ; and that visit was the means of her restora- 
tion. For, as her brain had been a long time inactive, 
and she could no more laugh nor weep than a lost spirit, 
the excitement of meeting her sister, and sympathy for 
her over the loss of her husband, was such that it 
excited her brain to action, and the fountain of tears 
so long closed, now broke up, and she wept freely, and 
commenced improving from that hour! So she re- 
covered, and attended church, and heard both of them 
preach before the close of the Conference year. Her 
25 



290 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



brother, an able physician, attributed her recovery 
mainly to the instrumentality of Mrs. Reeves. When 
she finally deceased, at the request of the family Mr. 
Reeves rode from New Brighton to preach her funeral 
sermon. 

Hannah preached on this circuit, much to the edifica- 
tion of the Church, and with great acceptability to the 
public in general, in Waynes burg, at the Brick School- 
house, at Kirby's Meeting-house, at Olfrey's School- 
house, at Barnes' School-house, at the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church, Carmichaeltown, and at More- 
dock's School-house. At Clinton, a very wicked place, 
she delivered a discourse to the people on the subject of 
the great salvation. The house being too small for the 
congregation, they repaired to the grove, and while she 
was preaching, it being a communion occasion, some 
vile persons stole the sacramental wine out of the 
school-house ! She also preached at Amity, and at the 
Spring Hill meeting-house, at the quarterly-meeting, 
and likewise at New Brighton Mission. About this 
time her husband was taken ill of the pleurisy, away 
from home, and she went and nursed him, and during 
his convalescence she filled his appointments. At the 
Annual Conference in Morgantown, by special request, 
she preached in the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the 
great gratification of the people, and it is believed that 
some were more than gratified ; they were really profited. 
One very efficient itinerant minister of the Pittsburg 
Conference, then a young man, acknowledges the 
quickening influence which he received from hearing 
that sermon. 

New Brighton Mission, the appointment given Mr. 
Reeves by the Conference, was in a very low condition. 
He went to that appointment with a promise from the 
Conference of $100, to be raised on the district by the 
preachers, to help him through the year. He and 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



291 



Hannah labored hard, and cried to God for help to raise 
the fallen mission, and the Lord heard and answered 
their united supplications, and a gracious revival of 
religion was the result. A number of promising young 
people, both male and female, were added to the church, 
and among them several who had associated together 
to lead the singing. This was truly encouraging. In 
this successful evangelism, Hannah had her full share, 
and it may be added she preached in Youngstown. 
But here a difficulty occurred. While things were thus 
encouraging, the preachers failed to raise the promised 
hundred dollars to aid them ; all that came to hand 
was fourteen dollars. William and Hannah had sacred 
claims upon them at that time, and could not consent 
to remain another year, and so promised to serve 
another appointment. But on leaving that mission, 
where God had given them spiritual children, they 
found the trial very great. There were the lambs of the 
flock, gathering round their spiritual shepherds, not 
willing to give them up. The scene was so affecting 
that it could hardly be borne, and the pastor of the 
flock was so overcome, that he could scarcely preach or 
pray, and had to sit down. Still, from a conviction of 
duty, they left them in order to be able to meet claims 
of an important character, which they could not hope 
to meet by remaining in that mission. Just think of 
the poverty of our movements at that da}^. All the 
Pittsburg District, including West Virginia, only raised 
$14 for home missionary purposes, in one whole year. 
Only one little mission, and starve that ! Praised be 
the name of the Lord, the Pittsburg District does better 
now than in former years. All the Conferences should 
aim to fill up their own unoccupied territory with home 
missionary labors, and yield them such support as may 
be needed, until those fields become self-sustaining, and 
able to help others. 



292 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



The next year they were stationed in Fairmont, 
Virginia. In this place, and in the region round about, 
Hannah was very popular and useful in the Sabbath- 
school, and in visiting the sick ; and in various ways 
she went about doing good. In Pruntytown, that 
winter, she labored very successfully at a protracted 
meeting. In March, by request of an influential mem- 
ber in the city of Baltimore, she accompanied her hus- 
band, who was appointed a fraternal messenger to the 
Maryland Annual Conference, which sat in that city. 
Her health being quite delicate, and her constitution 
rather on the decline, she hoped to be permitted to pass 
that session in a private capacity. But the people 
would not have it so. The Baltimoreans must hear the 
lady preacher. Accordingly, a committee from the 
Conference waited on her to ascertain when it would 
suit her to preach. She mildly remonstrated, and 
urged that, owing to the presence of so large a Con- 
ference of ministers, it was not necessary. They pro- 
bably thought to gain her consent by putting the 
question in a different form, and said they came not to 
request her to preach, but to ascertain when she would 
do it. She then consented, and seeing they would need 
the morning and the evening for the ordination services, 
she suggested the afternoon. In that the committee 
cordially concurred, and the appointment was published 
in the Conference and in the Baltimore Sun; so an 
immense crowd of people came together to hear the 
lady preacher. But unfortunately for her, in the morn- 
ing an old friend from Ohio, a merchant, was present, 
and after service went forward to greet them. Of 
course he was invited to dine with them, and he did so, 
and then thoughtlessly kept her in conversation until 
meeting time came on, and did not allow her five 
minutes for reflection and prayer. Such a man is a 
calamity on any preacher, male or female, in any 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



293 



Church or in any country under heaven ; and where is 
the preacher who has not been, to his grief, visited and 
bored by such men? Hannah felt the ill effects of that 
man's conversation on her mental and moral nature at 
the time, but gratitude for his former kindness forbade 
her to treat him otherwise than with the utmost 
respect ; and even on their way to church, that man 
would continue to talk. Her husband felt distressed 
for her, but forbore to interfere. 

On arriving at the church, the difficulty next to be 
overcome was to get her through the crowd into the 
pulpit, for the house was jammed and packed, and 
there were hundreds on the outside. At length a gen- 
tleman, apparently accustomed to command, perceiving 
the difficulty, inquired of Mr. Reeves if that was the 
lad} r who was to preach. Learning that it was, he 
kindly proffered his services to take her to the pulpit, 
which she gladfy accepted. So the stern command was 
given to clear the way, and with her hand in his, into 
the house they went, and he succeeded in crowding his 
way with her to the pulpit. Her husband was left on 
the outside of the house, and at the suggestion of Dr. 
E. Y. Reese, he took the outside portion of that multi- 
tude to the lecture-room, and while Hannah preached 
above, he preached below. 

That clay Mrs. Reeves had a remarkable audience — 
the Maryland Annual Conference of ministers and lay- 
men, ministers and members of other denominations, 
and crowds of others who belonged to no church. The 
President and leading ministers of the Conference 
were in the pulpit. The venerable Bishop Waugh and 
other distinguished ministers of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church were seated in the altar fronting the pulpit . 
And yet, in the face of such a mass of cultivated mind 
and the first pulpit talent in the city, and, as we have 
seen, without the commonest preparation, she remained 
25* 



294 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



calm and self-possessed, looking up to God for aid in 
time of need, and believing he would be with her. 
Even then she would not take advantage of a familiar 
subject, but selected a passage which opened the way 
for her to review the history of the Methodist Protest- 
ant Church, which took its rise in that city, and ap- 
pealed to the audience for the number and intelligence 
of the ministers of the Maryland Annual Conference, 
and then exclaimed: "See what God has wrought!" 
for this young branch of the great Methodist family. 
And as if to complete the historic picture, neither 
knowing nor fearing those who were present before her, 
she noticed the unrighteous expulsions of men of high 
character from the Methodist Episcopal Church for 
their liberal principles ; and feeling the goodness of the 
cause in hand, and being quite triumphant in feeling, 
she made a personal appeal to a venerable man, and 
said, "Father Starr, is not that true?'* To this appeal 
he loudly and heartily responded, "Yes, Sister, every 
word of it." 

Next morning, in Conference, the Eev. T. H. Stock- 
ton, in rather a pleasant mood, informed Mr, Keeves 
that his wife "bore off the palm yesterday" — that a 
gentleman, one of the best judges of preaching in the 
city, heard him in the morning and her in the after- 
noon, and that he gave the decided preference to the 
lady ; while, as a matter of personal taste, he thought 
it would have been far better for her to have left out 
the references she made to the expulsions in Baltimore. 

On "Wednesday evening, she preached in the Aisquith 
street Methodist Protestant Church, and an excellent 
impression was made upon the audience. At the close 
of the services, a gentleman belonging to the Methodist 
Episcopal Church came and thanked her for her dis- 
course, saying that he was present on Sabbath after- 
noon at the Green Street Church, and while she uttered 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



295 



some hard things against their Church, he admitted 
that they were all true. He then and there presented 
her with a ten dollar bill, with his good wishes. 

She preached again in the Green Street Church on 
Thursday morning, for the benefit of those who could 
not gain admittance on Sunday. Brother T. H. Stock- 
ton was present, and closed the meeting. 

All things considered, this visit to Baltimore was, to 
all concerned, an interesting occasion. The lady 
preacher doubtless made many friends, and had a line 
opportunity to accomplish good among the people. 



296 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

Mr. Reeves appointed agent for Madison College— Home still 
at Fairmont— An epidemic prevailing there— Hannah in tlie 
Sabbath-school, and in other labors of love— She meets her 
husband in Cumberland— They hold a protracted meeting — 
She preaches twice— Returns to Fairmont — In the summer 
goes north with her husband— Does much preaching — Mr. 
Reeves President the next year — Hannah travels with him — 
Crowds attend to hear the lady preacher— She preached in 
many places— The second year of her husband's presidency — 
She labors on as before— The third year he does not travel the 
District — Their joint labors in New Brighton — Their home — 
They help to hold a protracted meeting in East Liverpool— 
They hold one in Cincinnati — The state of things there — 
Their joint labors, and the results — Various incidents — She 
suffered from cholera — A cancer and erysipelas — "Was re- 
stored. 

NOW they are found, once more, at their own home, 
among their own people, with plenty of work on 
hand. During that dreadful epidemic, the typhoid fever, 
which raged with such violence, and proved so fatal in 
Fairmont, Hannah was very active and useful among 
the people. She attended a very precious Christian lady, 
Mrs. Virginia Barnes, until she passed away to heaven, 
and was of great service to her spiritually, and when 
she returned from the funeral, the flowers of the disease 
were full in her own face, and she very narrowly escaped 
with her life. Seeing the general failure of the regular 
medical practice, she resolved to try a species of medi- 
cation of her own, and it succeeded admirably ; so she 
was more or less useful to both the souls and the bodies 
of her fellow creatures. 

At the following Annual Conference, Mr. Keeves was 
appointed agent for Madison College, and he spent six 



MRS. HANNAH REEVE 8. 



'297 



months in the Maryland District. Their home was still 
in Fairmont. The epidemic still prevailed, and many 
precious lives were lost. The Methodist Protestant 
Church suffered severely. Here Hannah continued her 
labors of love. In the Sabbath-school and in a Bible- 
class she was made very useful, as Governor Pierpont, 
then superintendent, can testify. Down to this day, 
there is living spiritual fruit of her labors in Fairmont. 
In October, she was urged to take the cars for Cumber- 
land, Maryland, to meet her husband there, and aid 
him in a protracted meeting. She did so, but her health 
was very feeble. While there, she preached three times, 
with great acceptance and profit. Mr. Reeves then 
proceeded on to Baltimore, and remained East till after 
the Maryland Annual Conference, the last of March, and 
she returned to Fairmont. In the summer, she accom- 
panied her husband on a northern tour, and preached 
at Cheat Keck, in Pittsburg, on the Susquehanna Cir- 
cuit, and at the Salem camp-meeting. There she 
preached four times, with great efficiency. A Divine 
power attended the word, and the whole encampment 
was moved ; many penitents crowded to the altar of 
prayer, and were made happy in the love of God. 
When this meeting was over, she preached at Zion 
Church, and the Lord was manifestly present in the 
assembly on that occasion. 

At the next Conference, Mr. Beeves was elected 
President, and required to travel the district. This was 
a large field for both of them. That year Hannah 
traveled generally with her husband. And with the 
two-fold power of attraction, presidential meetings, and 
the novelty of a lady preacher, great congregations 
generally attended ; and in many places a gracious 
influence from heaven rested on the assembled multi- 
tudes, and much good was done in the name of the 
Lord. She preached at the following places : Connclls- 



298 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



ville, Amity, Spring Hill several times — there they had 
a gracious awakening ; in Washington Station, Sharps- 
burg — there was a good meeting; in Johnstown, Brad- 
dock's Field, also in the village school-house, and at 
Swissvale — all meetings of interest. At Reisville, Pitts- 
burg, Birmingham, Connellsville again; Kell's dwell- 
ing-house, at Stahlstown twice to good eifcefc, and at 
Mount Pleasant, where a deep interest was awakened 
in the community, reaching in among the students of 
the United Brethren^' College ; in Cookstown, Sharps- 
burg, Cherry-tree Circuit, Pearsall's barn — a gracijus 
meeting ; Cross Roads, Jefferson Circuit, Sligo, Clarion 
Circuit — a meeting, of great interest ; Bates' meeting- 
house, Greenfield Circuit, Hendersonville, Sharon, 
Wa}mesburg, and at Brownsville the Sunday before 
Conference. This detailed account of labor will show 
that this lady preacher was no cipher in creation, but a 
real, living, enterprising laborer in the vineyard of the 
Lord. Let it be written on her tombstone, to remain 
there for ever, that she did what she could for Christ 
and his cause. 

The next } r ear Mr. Peeves was re-elected to the 
presidency, and traveled the district. The health of 
his wife was declining, and they moved to 'New Bright- 
on, and here her public labors were abridged. She 
did, however, preach at the following places : Reisville, 
Pittsburg, John Redman's, Birmingham, Six Corners, 
Ohio, Independence, Springfield, Independence again, 
and at ~New Castle — at all with more or less success. 
Age was beginning to make its impression. Hard 
labor had worn her down, tired nature needed rest ; 
yet in this wonderful woman there was a heart to work 
while she could. 

At the following Annual Conference, Mr. Reeves was 
for the third time in succession, elected to the presi- 
dency of the Conference. But he was not required to 



THE LADY PREACHER: ' 299 

travel the district. That year he was, by Conference 
action, put in charge of the New Brighton mission 
again, to try once more to raise that deserving yet un- 
fortunate society. At this time it was in a very de- 
plorable condition, apparently twice dead, and nearly 
plucked up by the roots. To write its history from the 
beginning would be a mournful task, and might reflect 
on the Conference and several of the preachers who 
followed Mr. Beeves when first on that mission. But 
these things are all now behind us — mishaps that can 
not be mended. It is best to learn wisdom by the 
things we have suffered, and pass on to better things in 
the future. 

Mr. Beeves had decided to make New Brighton his 
permanent home when he could itinerate no longer. 
Here, then, was a new motive for both of them, to 
endeavor with all their powers, by the help of G-od, to 
bring this church up again. It would be no home for 
them in the evening of life, without the privileges of the 
church which they had labored so long and faithfully 
to build up, on the true foundation of the apostles and 
prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner- 
stone. Here, then, for two years, in addition to all her 
other efforts to help on the cause of G-od and the Church, 
did Hannah frequently preach, with happy effect. But 
her constitution was on the decline, and she had, with 
more or less reluctance, to desist from pulpit labor. 

In the winter of 1857-8, she labored as if it were her 
last opportunity, publicly, to urge the church to dili- 
gence in duty, and in calling sinners to repentance. 
About the close of a glorious revival of religion, at a 
protracted meeting in East Liverpool, the Be v. E. A. 
Brindley, superintendent, where the Bev. D. I. K. Bine, 
then a youth, was converted to God, they were called 
from that meeting to Cincinnati, to hold a protracted 
meeting in the Sixth Street Methodist Protestant Church. 



300 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



As the invitation was very pressing, they concluded to 
go. The meeting was accordingly held, and in it they 
both labored hard and long, and with an encouraging 
degree of success. The meeting-house was behind the 
age. The singing was not in good taste for the rising 
generation. This state of things had no attraction for 
the educated children of the wealthy members of the 
Church. They were naturally led away to other 
churches, where things were more to their taste and 
wishes. In order, if possible, to remedy this evil, the 
trustees resolved to make some changes and improve- 
ments in the house. The congregation had worshiped 
elsewhere for several months. The basement, or lecture- 
room, was now occupied. By this time the young peo- 
ple were comfortably accommodated in other churches, 
and were not disposed to return, especially to the lec- 
ture-room, for Sabbath services. So, then, at the com- 
mencement of the meeting, the congregations were 
small, and the prospects not very nattering. The pastor, 
the Rev. J. J. White, had been sick, and was still very 
feeble. The services were continued every evening, and 
when Hannah preached they would come and hear, 
even if they had to go into the basement. 

Thus things continued until the approach of the 
second Sabbath, when the pastor requested Mr. Reeves 
to address the Sabbath-school, but he declined, because 
he had to preach twice, and attend to the ordinance of 
the Lord's supper. He then turned to Mrs. Reeves, 
•and wished her to address the school. She asked to be 
excused on account of the labors of the day then before 
her; but he would not exonerate her, and published 
that she would deliver the address. When Sunday 
morning came, feeble as she was (having rested poorly 
the night before), she was at her post. It was very 
manifest to all present, that Grod did not leave her to 
herself on that occasion, for the blessed Spirit of his 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 301 

grace was present and attended the word while she was 
speaking to the children, and the hearts of many were 
melted like wax before the fire. At the close, probably 
at her suggestion, the pastor invited seekers forward to 
the altar of prayer, and immediately a number of them 
went. It was a blessed time ! Venerable old members 
were melted into tears of joy, and they had in that 
Sunday-school a little pentecost. It was the beginning 
of the gracious revival that followed, and the blessed 
effects of it, it is hoped, yet remain. 

It was announced that Mrs. Eeeves would preach on 
Monday evening. This was a remarkable meeting, and 
the breaking up of the foundation. In addition to her 
general bodily debility, the labors of the Sabbath, the 
address in the Sunday-school in the morning, then 
preaching with all the energy she could command at 
George's Street, in the afternoon, she had a very weari- 
some day on Monday. Through the extreme kindness 
of friends, and the desire of ladies to make her acquaint- 
ance, she was invited to dine at the house of a promi- 
nent member. The dinner was rather late, and as she 
had taken but little breakfast, she needed an early 
dinner, to keep her from being faint and feeble ; but in 
this she failed, and could eat but little when the dinner 
came. This left her in bad condition for the work before 
her in the pulpit that night. Xor was this all; the 
ladies would talk when she was ready to faint. She 
begged to be alone, and to lie down a little, and still the 
inevitable conversation was continued. She then con- 
trived to leave early, and go to the house of a good 
brother, where she hoped to be quiet, but even there 
love and friendship would prompt the tongue to talk. 
Then she thought of the parsonage, and that she might 
be sure of a little repose there, for she knew the kind- 
ness and experience of the excellent Christian lady of 
that house, and hoped she would appreciate her neces- 
26 



C02 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



sity for a little retirement and rest, before the labors of 
the evening came on. Bnt all her efforts were vain. 
Love and friendship would find vent in a little verbal 
pity and undertone conversation. The final resort was 
to the sanctuary ; and while the congregation was gath- 
ering, she did hope to gain a little repose. Hannah had 
not, and could not get five minutes for meditation and 
prayer, to prepare her for the solemn and responsible 
duties of the pulpit. And with physical exhaustion in 
the house of G-od, she took her seat in a pew near the 
pulpit, and just as she was beginning to enjoy the 
luxury of a brief doze, her husband tapped her on the 
shoulder, saying, "It is time to commence service." 

She stepped immediately into the pulpit. Her hus- 
band read the first hymn, and after the singing, she 
prayed, and was so much drawn out in supplication for 
Divine aid, and in pleading for sinners, that many of 
the friends were alarmed. The pastor came near, 
plucking her dress, and advising her to quit : and even 
her own husband, so well acquainted with her, became 
concerned for the consequences to her health and life. 
She herself said, afterwards, that she thought she 
might have gone home from that pulpit. But she 
obtained strength from on high, and preached to the 
people for nearly one hour, and the power of G-od 
attended the word. What an exemplification of the 
divine aphorism, "When ice are weak, then ore we 
strong!" That was the close of her labors in the Sixth 
Street Station, and then a general revival followed, and 
many souls were converted to God, and the blessed 
fruits remained for years. "Whether any yet remain is 
hard to say, for the wolf has greatly scattered the flock 
in the old Sixth Street Station. Two days after this, 
she preached at Elm street, and from that time she 
never attempted to preach for over nine years. It did 
seem as if Divine Providence designed that to be the 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



303 



last, if not the crowning labor of her life. And it was 
qnite providential, that she and her husband closed 
their toils in Cincinnati when they did for the next 
evening that dreadful gas explosion, occurred in the 
church, which did so much damage. Considering the 
place which they occupied, when in the church, had 
they remained one day more, they would have been 
killed in that explosion. 

Here a note by the writer may be allowed. I arrived 
in Cincinnati the morning before the explosion, and 
was invited by friends to preach that evening. I was 
inclined to do so, but being weary with traveling, I 
ultimately deemed it best to rest in Covington, among 
my relatives, until Sunday, before preaching in Cincin- 
nati. So my escape from destruction, as well as that of 
the lady preacher and her husband, I have always 
regarded as providential. TThen we know not the 
dangers before us, God kindly watches over us, and 
shields us from harm. 

From that exhaustion and an asthmatical complaint 
which followed, she never fully recovered, so as to be 
able to labor in public, as in former years. But she 
did continue to labor in various ways for the up-build- 
ing of the Church, and the cause of G-od in general. 
The following account of her labors and influence for 
good in New Brighton, contains a testimony of that 
fact, and illustrates her general life. 

Dear Dr. Browx : 

It was my pleasure to form the acquaintance of Sister Reeves 
directly after being- called to the pastorate of the First Meth- 
odist Church of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Dr. Reeves was then 
serving Xew Brighton Mission, which was in a very feeble con- 
dition when he assumed charge. Through the untiring efforts 
of the Dr. and his most estimable lady, plans were laid for the 
building of a new house of worship, of which they were greatly 
in need. The design was carefully and prayerfully considered, 
for the membership of the mission was feeble, both in numbers 
and means, and the church, if built, must look for aid, to a 



304 THE LADY PREACHER: 

great extent, from the outside of the membership. No one 
appeared so well qualified for the work of soliciting aid as 
Sister Reeves; yet her health was feeble, and age had taken 
away much of the activity of former years. 

She assumed the responsibility cheerfully, however, and 
came to the city of Pittsburg for assistance from the friends 
and acquaintances of other days in the church of which I was 
pastor. It would be almost impossible to give a detailed ac- 
count of her noble labors in behalf of New Brighton church ; 
how she prayed to God for direction and guidance in soliciting 
means, and with what great success her efforts were crowned. 

One instance out of many will illustrate her energy and 
Christian devotion. After the church building was under roof, 
when all the private means of both Brother and Sister Reeves 
were exhausted, and all the field, both among the friends in New 
Brighton and Pittsburg, was canvassed, it was necessary, in 
order that the church might be made available as a place of 
worship, to plaster and seat the lecture-room. In this dilemma, 
Sister Reeves sought the Lord in earnest prayer, and while 

thus engaged her mind was strongly directed to Brother M , 

of my charge, a man of large means and large heart, who had 
already done liberally for the church at New Brighton. Acting 
from the impulse thus given the mind in prayer, Sister Reeves 

immediately visited the house of Brother M , in the vicinity 

of Pittsburg. 

Brother M met her at the door, accosting her with— 

4 'Well, Hannah, how art thou? I hope you have not come to 
beg again?" "No, Robert," she replied, "I have not come to 
beg, but I have come to make a statement to you, and one of 
deep interest to both of us." He conducted her into the parlor, 
and she proceeded to speak of the necessities of New Brighton 
Church, and closed by pleading the doctrine of the influence a 
good man may exert even after he himself has gone to rest, 
citing the saying of St. Paul in reference to the sacrifice of Abel, 
when he declares, "And by it he being dead yet speaketh;" 
enforcing it by repeating extracts of a sermon on influence 

delivered in the church of which Brother M was a member, 

and showing the great difference between the writings of St. 
Paul and Thomas Paine's " Age of Reason ;" making an applica- 
tion of the entire theme to the necessities of the New Brighton 
Church, and the benefits accruing from acts of benevolence in 
times of need. So effectual was her appeal, that before she left 
the city, arrangements were made for the completion of the 
lecture-room in time for the meeting of the Annual Conference. 

Thus, by the indefatigable energy and overcoming faith of 
this noble-hearted Christian woman, the work was carried on 
until the main audience room was ready for dedication, and 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



305 



the shout of the people arose, "Grace, grace unto it!" No 
better monument is required, to perpetuate her clerotion to 
Christ, and her persevering energy in His service, than the 
noble structure known as the New Brighton Methodist Church. 
Truly can it besaid of our departed sister, "Blessed are the 
dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the 
Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works 
do follow them." J. D. Herr. 

To the above I will add, from documentary evidence 
now before me, that from the first inceptive step in the 
erection of the New Brighton Church, to the final con- 
summation of that enterprise, Mrs. Hannah Reeves 
proved herself to be a real, efficient, and successful 
worker. Her fertile mind devised the plans for raising 
the necessary funds, and her untiring activity in the 
collection of those funds from all quarters in the church, 
at home and abroad, from saints and sinners, will not 
be soon forgotten by her surviving friends. A leading 
member, Brother H. T. Reeves, of the New Brighton 
Church, being applied to to write a sketch of Mrs. 
Reeves' labors in behalf of that church, replied : u When 
both of us have written all we can, the half of the good 
that woman has done in this neighborhood will not be 
told." This I take to be the general judgment of that 
community, and will, therefore, leave all the unwritten 
part of her history to be revealed in the great day of 
the Lord. 

In J une, 1865, while her husband was at Stahlstown, 
on his presidential visit, Hannah was suddenly and 
seriously attacked in the night with the cholera, and 
was alone in the house. She endeavored to check it 
with such remedies as were at hand, but they availed 
nothing. And as day drew near, with a desperate 
effort she left the house, and ascended the hill to the 
house of a neighbor, Brother Chadwick. The doctor 
was soon there, and she again barely escaped with her 
life. Her system was left in a bad state, and soon a 
26* 



306 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



cancerous tumor was formed at the pit of her stomach, 
which troubled her for nearly two years. She was, 
however, finally, and, it seemed, almost miraculously 
delivered from that dreadful malady. It literally fell 
out in her hand, a hard, smooth substance, with varied 
hues, as beautiful as the rainbow. And during that 
severe affliction, she was attacked with erysipelas in 
her head, and it appeared next to impossible to over- 
come both diseases. But the Lord was with her in all 
her afflictions, and her patience and indomitable spirit 
were marvelous indeed. At different times, when she 
was brought apparently to the mouth of the grave, her 
old family physician said to her : " Mother Reeves, you 
live because you will live ! You will not die at this 
time." And so said an old doctor over thirty years 
ago, when she seemed to have but little life in her. 



MRS. HANNAH REEVE 'S. 



307 



CHAPTEE XXIV. 

Hannah revives and preaches again— In Bellevue and in Johns- 
town — The Kev. D. I. K. Rine's letter concerning lier sermon 
in Johnstown— An account oi her preaching in sundry places 
— A letter from the Rev. G. Tv~. Bums, concerning her preach- 
ing in East Liverpool— Rev. C. Springer's notice— The glorious 
close of life — Many of her last utterances full of faith, hope, 
charity, and Divine consolation— The funeral services, first 
and last — Female preaching vindicated. 

A short time before her final and fatal sickness, she 
revived for a little season, and actually preached 
again in several places, scattering a few more feeble 
rays before the setting of the sun of her useful and 
eventful life. In May, 1867, being in Bellevue, her hus- 
band, the pastor, being absent, and a Presbyterian 
clergyman who was expected to preach that evening, 
being unwell, failing to come, she arose, went into the 
the pulpit, gave out the hymn, sang, and prayed. Still 
no preacher came, and she proceeded to preach, to the 
surprise of many present, and to the satisfaction 
aud commendation of some professional gentlemen 
who were in attendance. In June, she visited Johns- 
town, and preached, as if to bid those warm-hearted 
Christians farewell. And many of her glowing words, 
uttered as if she were standing near the precincts of 
Paradise, are remembered and occasionally mentioned 
to this day. The following account of that visit and 
her labors, is given by the pastor, the Eev. D. L K. 
Rine. 

"In June, 1869, Brother and Sister Reeves came to 
Johnstown, by invitation, to be present at the re-opening 
of our church, which for some weeks had been under- 



308 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



going repairs. Sister Reeves at that time was feeble 
in body, but strong in cheerfulness of mind, and quite 
buoyant in spirit. I met them coming from the depot, 
and she said : £ Well, my boy, how is it that you could 
not meet us at the station?' I began to explain, when 
she replied, 'There now, that will do; I will hear you 
again. How is Sister Rine?' We were soon at the 
house, enjoying ourselves at the evening tea. 

1 c As every thing was in readiness for the re-opening 
of the church on Sunday morning, of course we all 
anticipated a glorious time, and we were not disap- 
pointed. After the sermon, more than enough money 
was subscribed for the liquidation of the indebtedness, 
and during the closing exercises, Sister Reeves seemed to 
be in the height of Christian enjoyment. She had been 
deeply absorbed in prayer that our efforts might be suc- 
ceeded with sufficient means, and as soon as the amount 
had been subscribed, she opened her eyes and looked 
around, exclaiming, with a deep expression of gratitude. 
'Thank the Lord!' We were all happy, then, in in- 
troductions and greetings. The hoi}' fire seemed to be 
kindled on the altar of every heart. Who that was there 
can ever forget it? I love to linger there in memory. 
Some have gone to their heavenly home since. Father 
Lego was there, with his eyes glistening with the sweet 
expression of joy. Father Charlton, the devoted class- 
leader, was there, with his face radiant with heavenly 
smiles. Mother Sleep, of precious memory, was there, 
with the sweetest and calmest expressions of Christian 
satisfaction. O ! who would blot such a scene from 
memory's page? We we at, by special invitation, with 
Mr. and Mrs. Trevora for dinner ; any one having been 
there, would feel a desire to return. We met a hearty 
Christian welcome and cheerful smiles while we surround- 
ed a well-furnished table. Sisters Parks and Benbow 
Brother and Sister Reeves, Mrs. Rine and myself, com- 



MH8. HANNAH REEVES. 



309 



posed that company. When Sister Beeves would relate 
an incident of her early home or life, all were immedi- 
ately interested, for she was the center of attraction at 
all the dinner and tea parties, as she had such a 
notoriety for her preaching ability. But the time came 
for Brother Eeeves to return to his appointments. His 
time of departure is fixed. Sister Eeeves has consented 
to remain until next week. I said to her, 'I have 
thought you ought to remain until after next Sabbath ; 
and further, it seems to me that there is coming over 
you the spirit of preaching, and you shall have an 
opportunity to tell us what the spirit may dictate.' 
'Well,' said she, c my son, I feel very much like remain- 
ing ; my mind readily consents ; 1 enjoy your home, and 
this mountain scenery, and air, and water ; it is all very 
good, and I have about made up my mind to stay a 
while longer. But now, see here,, my dear boy, I don't 
know what the Lord may do. I should like to preach 
to the friends here, but there must be no announcement, 
for fear my health will not permit. But if I am able at 
all, I prefer the evening appointment. ' This conversa- 
tion fixed things so as to arrange the evening service 
for Sister Eeeves. And as I was not to announce pub- 
licly that she was to preach, I invited some special friends 
to come to our church on Sunday evening, and told 
them they would not be disappointed. On Sunday 
morning she attended the nine o'clock class at Sister 
Parks', and there, with kindred spirits, the Sabbath 
feast began. 

"Now for the evening service. The time having ar- 
rived, we repaired to the church, and found it crowded. 
As we walked up the aisle, Brother Symons arose to 
make room for Sister Eeeves ; but I told him I would 
give her a place in the pulpit to-night; then he stood 
aside, and we passed on to the pulpit, and kneeled in 
prayer to God. As we did this, I could feel a deep 



310 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



solemnity pervading the assembly. I gave out the 
hymn ; the choir never sang better ; Sister Eeeves led 
in prayer, every heart seeemd to join; it was so easy — 
such a familiar telling God all about it, that there could 
be no surprise that the Divine power was felt so over- 
whelmingly by the people. O ! it was a pleading in the 
immediate presence of the Infinite. Would that we had 
more of this kind of prayer ! The text was announced, 
and she began to preach, holding the attention with 
undisturbed silence until near the close, when she pro- 
nounced the word Home, With a peculiar emphasis, spe- 
cially belonging to her voice, for carrying an impression 
to the soul, she said : c Home ! O, that sweetest of words ! 
How many fond associations cluster around it ! You 
know what it means. So do I. You can well recollect, 
and so can I, when across the ocean, in the old world, 
we had our homes, and dear ones. We can call them 
all together in memory. But we bade them adieu ; that 
was a trying time. We shall never meet them again 
on earth. But there (pointing upwards) yes, glory to 
God ! there, in the heavenly home, we shall meet for an 
eternal union, and happiness, and rest. O, my breth- 
ren and sisters, my poor heart thrills with joy when I 
think of that glorious home and meeting. O, Brother 
Bine, will you meet me there?' I arose to my feet, and 
clasped her hand in mine. The congregation seemed 
to bend under the influence, as though a long spell had 
been broken ; and indeed the power at that time was 
awful and glorious. Saints began to weep and rejoice, 
and sinners to tremble. We then, with common con- 
sent, began to sing the chorus, 'By the grace of God 
I'll meet you.' All joined in singing ; then we devout- 
ly kneeled in prayer. And after the closing hymn 
by the choir, all joined in singing the doxology, and 
were dismissed from the church, but not from the im- 
pression of that service. 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



311 



This communication from Brother Eine brings vivid- 
ly to mind what thousands have witnessed in the close 
of this lady preacher's sermons in her palmy days, 
when the multitude were in her train. 

In September, while her husband was at Conference, 
she preached twice at Bellevue, to the edification and 
profit of that intelligent and critical congregation. In 
October, she preached in Johnson, Ohio, during a pro- 
tracted meeting, and the Lord owned her ministrations, 
and gave his blessing along with the word of his grace. 
On her return home, she preached at Liberty, Hub- 
bard, and Youngstown, with more or less success. 
Then, once more, in January, 1868, she preached in 
Youngstown, as if to give her old and well-tried friends 
a final adieu. And last of all, on the 2d of February, 
1868, in East Liverpool, Ohio, she delivered her last 
message from the pulpit. Concerning this last gospel 
sermon, the interesting letter of the Rev. G-. W. Burns, 
A.M., at that time the pastor of East Liverpool charge, 
may be regarded as valuable testimony. 

Sewicexey, Pa., January 10th, 1870. 

Rev. George Browx, D.D. 

Dear Brother— -Perhaps the accompanying items concerning 
the lamented Sister Reeves may he of some service to you in 
preparing her memoir. Her last sermon was preached in the 
First Methodist Church, East Liverpool, Ohio, on Sabhath 
evening, February 2d, 186S. As pastor of the church, I was 
holding a protracted meeting, at which time I had the valuable 
assistance of Brother and Sister Reeves. During the meeting 
we had the privilege of entertaining them at the parsonage. 
The Dr. preached nine times, with great power and accepta- 
bility. Sister Reeves, owing to her feeble health, discoursed 
to the people but once, though she attended every public ser- 
vice, rendering efficient aid, by her fervent prayers and wise 
counsels, to those seeking salvation. On the occasion of her 
sermon the house was densely crowded. Her text was as fol- 
lows : " Wherefore, beloved, seeing ye look for such things, be 
diligent, that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, 
and blameless." 2 Peter iii. 14. Her voice was clear and strong, 
her articulation distinct, her style simple and clear. The dis- 



312 



THE LADY PRE A oIlER: 



course was eminently practical, and well adapted to the occa- 
sion. Had she known that she was preaching her last sermon, 
she could not have employed more appropriate words of warn- 
ing to the impenitent, or of advice to Christians. The profound 
stillness that prevailed during the delivery indicated the deep 
interest of the audience in the speaker and in the subject. 
Sister Reeves' visit to East Liverpool was very beneficial, and, 
no doubt, will increase the stars in the crown of her heavenly 
rejoicing. As an indication of the respect felt for her, when 
the news of her death was received, the pulpit was for a 
month, by order of the congregation, draped in mourning. 

G. W. Burns. 

This is good testimony, and worthy of a place in the 
book that records her life and labors. 

We take the following from the Kev. C. Springer's 
biographical notice of Mrs. Reeves. In other places 
extracts have been taken from this notice. 

"She preached in cities, at conferences, church 
dedications, and camp-meetings, as well as in obscure 
parts of the country, with great acceptability. But 
her toils were not confined to the pulpit alone, for, says 
her husband, when stationed m cities or small towns, 
she would labor in the Sabbath-schools, teaching Bible- 
classes, and in many ways endeavoring to do good, 
always working for the welfare of the Church. She 
had nothing else to live for, and all her time, talents, 
money, and influence were devoted to this grand object. 
And even in advanced life, when feeble in health, she 
continued her toils, going round to obtain subscriptions 
for building or repairing meeting houses." 

For some years, toward the close of her career, 
through bodily infirmity, she was unable to preach. 
During the past summer, however, she did recover a 
little, and preached several times in different places. 

When she came to meet the cold and chilling em- 
braces of death, she met them in a style that might be 
expected from such a mind. She talked about the 
events of the tomb with as much composure as we 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



313 



would the affairs of the domestic circle. A few of these 
exercises of mind during her last illness may here be 
given. Toward the close, her affliction was of such a 
nature as to prevent what her husband anticipated — ■ 
a rich treat of observations from her deep and varied 
Christian experience. But, blessed be God, enough 
was said to satisfy all her friends that the Lord was 
with her, and that he gave her the victory over death. 

She had been declining for months, and was herself 
impressed with the fact "that disease had marked her 
for a victim, and it was only a question of time " when 
her pilgrimage on earth should cease. Some weeks 
before her demise, in conversation with several Chris- 
tian friends, referring to the tomb, she said: "How 
good the Lord is, in providing so sweet a resting-place 
for the tired and worn-out body." She added: "1 
have long ago overcome both the fear of death, and of 
dying /" Addressing her husband, she said: "You 
ought to be thankful to G-od that I suffer so little — that 
he is bringing me down so gently — rather than to feel 
distressed at my affliction, or at the thought of our 
separation. There is a species of selfishness in your 
sorrow." Many other words of confidence in God were 
uttered, as her manner throughout life was, especially 
during this sore trial, to encourage her husband. One 
day, as her husband was speaking to her respecting 
her approaching dissolution, incautiously he cited the 
language of Solomon to young people, and called it an 
"evil day." To this she promptly and emphatically 
replied, "It is no evil day to me." And afterwards, 
when several friends were engaged in similar conversa- 
tion, one good brother said to her: "You will need 
great assistance in the trying hour." She instantly 
replied that "death was not a trying hour to her," and 
added that she "greatly needed the help of God then 
and always." Several weeks of sore affliction and 
27 



314 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



suffering followed, but she endured it all with surpris- 
ing fortitude and spirit, though often for a season 
delirious. One morning her husband had been serious- 
ly exercised in mind, but on entering the house again, 
she beckoned him to. go to her. She seemed to have 
something to communicate. With a sweet smile on her 
emaciated face, she said : "My dear, I have been think- 
ing that (it being Saturday) should I be called home 
to-morrow, it would be sweet to exchange earth for 
heaven on the Sabbath day." What could he do or say 
but yield, though with some reluctance, at the thought 
of parting with such a faithful friend and bosom com- 
panion. Being in an agon}', he prayed more fervently 
for supporting grace under the coming trial. 

On the following Tuesday, November 10th, she 
seemed to enjoy a most blessed manifestation of the 
Divine presence, and was enveloped in the atmosphere 
of paradise ; indeed, she was i ' quite on the verge of 
heaven," and apparently almost lost to the scenes of 
earth. She inquired, "What day of the week is this?" 
On being told that it was Tuesday, she paused a mo- 
ment, and with a pleasant countenance said: "Well, 
then, the funeral will be about Sabbath next" — plainly 
intimating that she had an impression as to the time 
of her departure to that better country. The funeral 
would have been on the Sabbath, but, for several con- 
siderations, it was deferred until Monday. It was pro- 
bably on Thursday she said, "I did not know until the 
other morning, that I should go home this week." 
Many other similar remarks she made, all of a very 
interesting character. 

But the parting scene was the one all-interesting to 
her husband and others who were present. It took 
place on Tuesday evening. Her husband was resting 
from fatigue on a lounge. Two women and her brother 
George were attending to her every want continually. 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



315 



She called Mr. Reeves to her, and with a sweet and 
pleasant smile on her countenance, she took him by the 
hand, and bade him farewell. She then called her 
brother, George Pearce, and taking his hand, she bade 
him, also, an affectionate good-bye. And then, in 
the true spirit of Christian triumph, she exclaimed : 
" Blessed Jesus I He is with me, and I knew he would be 
with rue to the end. He told me he would, and, he is with 
me note." Then she shouted aloud — " Hallelujah ! 
Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Glory /" Afterwards, pro- 
bably a day or two, she said: "Let me go, let me go, 
for I want to go and see the God I love ;" and she then 
added, u O, my Father in heaven, I want to be with 
thee where thou art." And on another occasion, the 
Saviour was manifested to her, like the sun breaking 
through the clouds, and she exclaimed: "Open the 
doors, ojjen all the doors, ojjen them icide, and let every 
body come in and see how happy a Christian can die!" 
And she insisted on the doors being opened, and they 
were opened for a while. And this was the more 
remarkable, seeing that, from her great suffering and 
neiwous distress, she was not able, a good part of the 
time, to endure the company of strangers. But now 
the end was near, and all were welcome. 

At another time she called her husband to her, and 
with much sweetness of spirit, and a power in her 
words never to be forgotten, she said, u All is well — all 
is well!" And to those dear sisters who so faithfully 
watched and worked with her many whole nights, she 
spoke words of cheer, and exhorted them to "work on 
in the cause of God, and be faithful." And she did the 
same with the preachers who visited her, especially 
Brothers J. B. Lucas and W. Evans, who went down 
from Pittsburg, at the instance of the Preachers' Meet- 
ing, to bear to "them the sympathy and condolence of 
the preachers in the dark and trying hour. When these 



316 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



brethren had delivered their message, and were about 
to return, in her own peculiar and emphatic way she 
exhorted them " to be faithful." At times she cited 
appropriate passages of Scripture, and at other times 
repeated veritable verses of hymnSi The following 
hymn was peculiarly applicable to her case ; and a short 
time before her departure, she cited part of it with a 
great degree of joy, especially the first two verses. 

"When languor and disease invade 
This trembling house of clay, 
'Tis sweet to look beyond my pains, 
And long to fly away: 

"Sweet to look inward, and attend 

The whispers of thy love ; 
Sweet to look upwards to the place 

Where Jesus pleads above : 

" Sweet to look back and see my name 
In life's fair book set down; 
Sweet to look forward and behold 
Eternal joys my *own: 

"Sweet to reflect how grace Divine 
My sins on Jesus laid; 
Sweet to remember that his blood 
My debt of sufferings paid *. 

"Sweet to rejoice in lively hope 

That when my change shall come, 
Angels shall hover round my bed, 
And waft my spirit home. 

"If such the sweetness of the stream, 
What must the fountain be, 
Where saints and angels draw their bliss, 
Directly, Lord, from Thee?" 

Filled with the sentiments and feelings inspired by 
this hymn, the word of Gtod, and the eternal Spirit, 
this child of grace, this daughter of Zion, this faithful 
laborer in the vineyard of the Lord, left her husband, 
her home, the Church, her friends, and all earthly 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 317 

things, and full of holy hope and heavenly joy, she 
passed triumphantly away to the eternal world. On 
Friday morning, ^November 13th, 1868, she sweetly fell 
asleep in Jesus, in the sixty-ninth year of her age. 
She died sitting in her rocking-chair, with her head 
reclining on a pillow, and her hands folded and lying 
on her lap. 

The funeral took place on the following Monday, and 
was one of the most numerously attended, solemn, and 
affecting services ever witnessed in iSTew Brighton. 
The community, generally, seemed to be moved with 
generous sympathy and respect, and it was a scene long 
to be remembered. A number of the old friends from 
Pittsburg and vicinity attended. Several of our own 
ministers, and nearly all the clergy of the borough, 
being present, took part in those very solemn and im- 
pressive services. The superintendent of the Union 
school in town, though a member of another denomi- 
nation, proposed to the class of young ladies taught by 
himself to adjourn, and attend the funeral; urging that 
a mother in Israel had gone to her reward, and it be- 
came them to pay her due respect. So they all came, 
were deeply interested, and, it is hoped, profited by the 
solemn services on that mournful occasion. 

On Sunday morning, December 20th, 1868, by request 
of my old friend, the bereaved husband, the Rev. Wil- 
liam Beeves, D. D., I delivered the funeral discourse 
on the death of his wife, Mrs. Hannah Reeves, in the 
Methodist Church in Xew Brighton, from Philippians i. 
21 : 44 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." 
I shall say nothing of that sermon, but the largeness of 
that assembly, and the tears of the people, attested the 
fact that in the Xew Brighton community the deceased 
had a very high and holy standing among all classes of 
Christians and citizens. 

It may now be appropriate to say something of Mrs. 
27* 



318 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



Reeves as a preacher of the gospel. On the subject of 
female preaching, the public mind has hitherto been 
very much divided. And it must be admitted that 
among the churches the majority has been against 
ladies being public teachers of the Christian religion. 
But is it true that the majority is always found to be in 
the right? This argument, taken from the majority, 
would bear heavily against Christianity itself. Not only 
in the beginning of the Christian dispensation, but even 
down to the present time, the majority of our race has 
been against the Christian religion. Will it, therefore, 
follow that Christianity is wrong, and should no longer 
be propagated in the world ? In Christendom, Popery 
has always been in the majority ; and are we to con- 
clude from this that Protestantism is wrong, and that 
all efforts to propagate the Protestant faith should im- 
mediately be abandoned? In England, the established 
Church has the majority, and will it thence be argued, 
that the Methodism of that island is altogether wrong, 
and should be given up? In the United States, Episco- 
pal Methodism is in the majority over our young 
Church; and is it a fair conclusion that our liberty- 
loving Church is, therefore, wrong, and should be 
abolished? What man of sense will affirm all this? 
And with as little show of sound sense, can it be 
affirmed that female preaching is wrong, because a 
majority in the churches is against it? Throughout all 
nature, God has indicated his designs. The gift shows 
forth the intention of the giver. The hands, the* feet, 
the eyes, ears, mouth, and teeth, — yea, every other 
faculty and capability in man, shows forth the purpose 
of the Giver of those organs and powers. So we read 
God's intentions in nature. And in the kingdom of 
grace, are not the intentions of the Supreme Being 
equally clear? When God gives to a female all the 
physical, mental, moral, and spiritual qualifications to 



MBS. HANNAH REEVE 8. 319 

preach the gospel of Christ, together with a Divine 
impression that she ought to engage in that work, 
who will venture to stand in her way? Do not the 
gifts and convictions in this case, as well as in the other, 
clearly declare the intentions of the God of grace who 
gave them? God never gave talents to be wrapped in 
napkins and buried. He meant them all for use in his 
vineyard. All allow females to teach religious truths 
in families, in the Sunday-schools, and in public and 
private week-day schools; then why obstruct them, 
when they have all the requisite qualifications, from 
teaching publicly, in the churches of God, the same 
gospel truths? * 

But it will now be asked, do the Scriptures justify 
female preaching? It will be affirmed by some that 
they do not, and that female preaching is expressly for- 
bidden by St. Paul in 1 Cor. xiv. 34, 35. "Let youi 
women keep silence in the churches, for it is not per- 
mitted unto them to speak ; but they are commanded 
to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if 
they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands 
at home ; for it is shame for a woman to speak in the 
church." Now here, from the context, it is clear that 
St. Paul was regulating matters in the public Christian 
assemblies at Corinth. And in those assemblies women 
were not permitted by the Apostle to propound ques- 
tions, or to enter into altercations or contests with the 
men, on points of doctrine or discipline. To construe 
this passage rigidly against female preaching, would 
make St. Paul contradict himself, and St. Peter and 
the Prophet Joel. In 1 Cor. iv. 4, 5, we have these 
words: "Everyman praying or prophesying, having 
his head covered, dishonoreth his head. But every 
woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head un- 
covered, dishonoreth her head ; for that is even all one 
as if she were shaven." Now, if prophesying in this 



320 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



passage, in its application to the men, means preaching 
the gospel, it means the same in its application to the 
women, and no fair interpretation or criticism can Sot 
this fact aside. In this view of the matter, I am ably 
sustained by two of onr best commentators, Drs. Clarke 
and Scott. Clarke says : "Whatever maybe the mean- 
ing of praying and prophesying in respect to the man, 
they have precisely the same meaning in respect to the 
woman. So that some women, at least, as well as 
men, might speak to others to edification, exhortation, 
and comfort. And this kind of prophesying, or teach- 
ing, was predicted by Joel." Scott says: u In the 
abundance of spiritual gifts bestowed on them, several 
women had been endued with the spirit of prophecy, 
which enabled them, by immediate inspiration, to offer 
prayers for the congregation, or to give instructions, or 
even to predict future events." A reference will now 
be made to Peter's pentecostal sermon, Acts ii. 16, 17, 
18. u But this is that which was spoken by the prophet 
Joel. And it shall come to pass in the last days, sarth 
God, I will pom out my Spirit upon all flesh : and your 
sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your 
young men shall see visions, and your old men shall 
dream dreams : and on my servants and on my hand- 
maidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit ; and 
they shall prophesy," On this passage I remark: — 
1. The "last days" all allow to mean the days of the 
Messiah, or the entire gospel dispensation. 2. As " all 
flesh" — all people — were not there on the day of pente- 
cost, to have the Spirit poured out upon them, we may 
logically conclude that on that day the Spirit only 
began to be poured out, and in fulfillment of Joel's 
prophecy, it will continue to be poured oat upon all 
flesh — all people — as they rise upon the stage of action, 
generation after generation, down to the end of time. 
3. This prophecy can never be completely fulfilled, 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



321 



unless there be both male and female preachers in the 
Church — sons, daughters, servants and handmaidens, 
all at work for Christ. 4. Dr. A. Clarke, in his sermon 
on the Christian prophet, founded on 1 Cor. xiv. 3, 
"But he that prophesieth, speaketh unto men to edifi- 
cation, and exhortation, and comfort," shows conclu- 
sively that prophesying means preaching the gospel, in 
which good,, great, and glorious work the daughters 
of Zion may have a part. In this noble work, Mrs. 
Hannah Reeves did faithfully serve, from early youth 
to hoary age. I have now said all I deemed necessary, 
in justification of this lady preacher's right to exercise 
her gifts in trying to save souls. 



322 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



CHAPTER XXY. 

The good character and standing of Mrs. Reeves — Very good as 
shown by the following letters— A letter from the Rev. W. H. 
Marshall— One from the Rev. E. A. Brindley— One from Dr. 
John Scott— The next two written by myself— Then one from 
Rev. John Langdon — The Rev. Richard Tabb, two letters — 
Mrs. Thome's letter— Mr. Wbodbridge— Mr. Fitch— Rev. A. H. 
Bassett— The Rev. G. B. McEiroy— The Rev. A. Clark— All send 
letters — An obituary from the Pittsburg Commercial— Condo- 
lence from the Preacher's Meeting— The Rev. S. F. Crouther's 
commendation*-- C onclnsion. 

TT will now be proper to bring before the reader the 
I personal character, reputation, habits, and stand- 
ing of our deceased sister in a more condensed form. 
In doing this, I shall act on my own best judgment, and 
on the clearest light I could obtain from others. 

1. — Her piety was deep and sincere. She had a pro- 
found reverence for the one only living and true God — 
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, in all their gracious rela- 
tions. Her religious experience was genuine and 
thorough, of the original Wesleyanic type. This was 
maintained by constant devotion and living by rule, 
aiming to follow Christ in all things, — making it her 
single, steady object to do his will, and not her own. 
Here she had many a conflict ; for, like the rest of the 
race, she felt that she had a will of her own, and her 
constant effort was to bring her will into subjection to 
the will of Christ. 

2. — Her zeal in the cause of. God was unabating and 
fervent. Her whole being was wrapped up in that 
cause. All her efforts were for its advancement, and 
she rejoiced greatly in its prosperity. She laid her all 
upon the altar of God — time, talents, influence, and life 
itself— and was never disposed to take them off. She 



MRS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



323 



had no interests but what were all concentrated in the 
glory and spread of the Bedeemer's kingdom, and the 
welfare of the souls and bodies of her fellow creatures. 
To do good and get good, therefore, appeared to be her 
main business here upon earth. 

3. — Her labors were abundant. It is truly astonish- 
ing to think of what she accomplished during her itin- 
erancy in England ; and her labors in this country were 
faithfully bestowed, long continued, and sometimes 
performed under very trying circumstances, involving 
great hazard to personal safety and life. It must be 
remembered that she generally had but feeble health. 
From early youth, with an ardent mind she had but a 
feeble frame, delicately constructed ; yet in England, 
for about ten years, she traveled large circuits mainly 
on foot. It was the love of Christ that constrained her. 
On some occasions, at least, I think she was to blame 
for leaving her room, to preach to the people, when, in 
all reason, she ought to have remained within the house 
to take care of her health and life. 

4. — In her preaching, I never heard her violate the 
laws of grammar, rhetoric, logic, good taste, or sound 
theology. She stood erect in the pulpit, with an open, 
pleasant countenance, and made but few gestures. Her 
voice was full, round, and clear. She had no trouble to 
find the right word to express her meaning, and her 
articulation was very distinct. Her preaching was 
plain, pointed, earnest, and pathetic. She made no 
effort at adornment or display — all was natural, free, 
and easy* Her eye appeared to be single to the glory 
of God and the salvation of souls. To win souls to 
Christ and advance the interests of believers, were the 
objects constantly kept in view in all her ministrations 
among our people. Satan may have tempted her to be 
vain, when God gave success in her pulpit labors, but 
if she were so tempted, she resisted the devil, and with 



324 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



unaffected humility gave all the glory to God. A time 
of success with her was always a time of cheerful thanks- 
giving to Him who "hath chosen the weak things of 
the world to confound the things which are mighty." 
She believed that u no flesh should glory in his pre- 
sence." 

5. — Her preaching, it is believed, was pre-eminently 
original. She did not stoop to plagiarism in the pulpit, 
or attempt to fly with borrowed wings. She was too 
scrupulous to offer stolen oblations in the house of 
God. The skeletons of sermons, found in books, and 
used by preachers in all the Churches, who either lack 
the talent or the industry to make their own sermons, 
did not meet her approbation, and she did not use 
them. If her own sermons were not as splendidly elo- 
quent as those of Stockton, nor as profoundly argu- 
mentative as those of Shinn, they were her own, and 
not borrowed of any man. She studied the Scriptures 
faithfully, and examined the commentaries, and ob- 
tained all the light that she could, from every accessi- 
ble quarter, on the text chosen for the occasion. Then, 
with faith and prayer to God for help, the sermon was 
cast in her own mould, and all who heard it delivered 
could attest the fact that it bore the image and super- 
scription of Hannah Reeves, and that it was her own 
beaten oil, brought into the sanctuary of the Lord. 
Her sermons were always in good keeping with the 
Methodistical views of Scriptural Christianity, and 
never made up of speculative opinions. They rested 
on the Bible alone, and were composed of experimental 
and practical lessons, drawn from Divine revelation, by 
the aid of the Holy Spirit. 

6. — It was a maxim with her, that all virtue or vice 
was to be found in the voluntary intention of the mind 
and heart. Hence she believed that where there was 
no regular voluntary intention in the mind and heart 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. 325 

to be religious, there was no religion at all ; for people 
could not be religious by chance, or by guess, or without 
a fixed voluntary intention. But where this intention 
of mind and heart to please God did exist, there the 
soul was savingly converted to God. This view of hers 
will account for her earnest appeals to sinners, which 
many of us have heard, from the pulpit, and in the 
altar, among the mourners, to give their hearts to 
Christ, knowing full well that where there was a volun- 
tary intention of the mind and heart to abandon sin, 
come out from the wicked, and consecrate the whole 
being to Christ for ever, there was a thorough change, 
a converted soul, a new creature in Christ Jesus. In 
all such cases, faith in the promises brings to the peni- 
tent soul the pleasurable sense of God's pardoning 
mercy. We may carry this view of the intention still 
higher. A regular voluntary intention of the mind and 
heart, accompanied by efforts to please God, by doing 
his will on earth as it is done in heaven, is in itself a 
high state of sanctification — about as high as we shall 
gain on this side of the eternal world. To this blessed 
estate, I have no doubt, our dear Sister Reeves attained, 
some time before God called her home. 

7. — Her charity was truly catholic, i. e., universal. 
Though a reformer of the strictest class, yet she recog- 
nized the Christianity of other denominations. She 
claimed the right to enjoy her own opinions as to Bible 
doctrines and church government, and to all others of 
different views she allowed the same right, and did not 
permit a difference of opinion to abate the ardor of her 
love to any of the churches or individual members. 
With a true soldierly spirit, she was prepared to endure 
persecution from older and more wealthy churches, to 
which she was somewhat exposed, as a lady preacher 
and a reformer. aSTone of these things moved her, and 
she held on her way to the end of life, cultivating good 
28 



326 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



will to all Christians and all mankind. Indeed, she 
was a true philanthropist. Neither sect, nor national- 
ity, nor caste, nor color, nor poverty, nor distress, could 
put her fellow creatures out of the reach of her sympa- 
thies. Christ died for all, and her tender regards went 
out after all for whom the Saviour died. Her liberality 
to the poor, especially poor widows and orphans, was 
a prominent trait in her character. She did much for 
them in a secret way, yet some of her kind acts are 
known. For instance, she would send a wagon load 
of coal to a needy widow, and charge the driver not to 
tell who sent it. And among her dying requests, the 
poor were remembered. 

8. — Her moral courage in the face of danger was 
quite remarkable. She was a woman of great strength 
of character, and had, as we sometimes say, an iron 
will. What she undertook, after mature deliberation, 
she would perform, whatever the danger might be, if 
the thing were at all within the reach of possibility. 
Yet in all this, she never laid aside the modest dignity 
of a true Christian lady. It was her strong faith in 
God and a special providence that sustained her moral 
courage while in the line of duty, and made her fearless ; 
yet kept her humble as a little child, hanging at ail 
times on her Heavenly Father's arm for support, and 
feeling that without him she could do nothing. 

9. — Mrs. Beeves was a great reader and lover of the 
Bible. From this book she drew all her theology, and 
her comfort in life and death. In addition to what has 
already been said, it may now be affirmed that through- 
out life, but especially in advanced age, she was em- 
phatically a woman of one book. She did, with much 
pra}^er, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest that 
sacred book. All through the Old and New Testaments 
may be found the passages marked for use in the pulpit, 
and her notes in the margin. And often, therefore, 



MR S. HA NJS T A H BEE VES. 



327 



did she bring forth to the people, out of this sacred 
treasury, things both new and old. As time went by, 
and eternity drew near, she could say in full faith, hope, 
and love, u O, Lord, thou shalt guide me with the 
counsel of thy word, and afterwards receive me to 
glory." 

10. — In the midst of the toils, trials, and afflictions 
of life, she had learned of the Saviour to be cheerful and 
happy. She tried to make the best of all providential 
occurrences, and to look on the bright side of every 
question, being well assured that God could and would 
make all things work together for her good while she 
loved him. In trying seasons, faith supported and 
Divine love cheered her on ; so her sky never seemed 
to be overcast with gloom and dissatisfaction. She 
lived in the sunshine of peace and pleasure ; indeed, her 
sun never seemed to go down, or suffer an eclipse. 
Even during the darkest season of her severe physical 
affliction, she seemed always to have light from above. 
Her own complicated and severe disease, four or five 
years ago, with a cancer in her stomach, and erysipelas 
in her head, rendered her a pitiable object, and made 
her sufferings intense. Even then, not a murmuring 
word was uttered by her. Still she was cheerful and 
resigned. Her actions echoed the language of Job: 
u Though He slay me, yet will I trust in him, and shall 
we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not 
receive evil?" 

And so it was during the latter part of her last sick- 
ness (marasmus), when both stomach and bowels were 
apparently worn out, and her spine affected, involving 
the brain, so that she suffered beyond description ; yet 
she endured all without repining, and would, with 
affectionate language, cheer her husband when he 
would speak of the severity of her sufferings. On hear- 
ing of her decease, the wife of one of our itinerant 



328 



THE LADY PREACHER. 



ministers said : "Well, there is one soul gone to heaven 
who never whined!" Whoever heard Sister Reeves 
whine? 

11. — It may yet be added, that she was known in all 
places where she labored to be very fervent and power- 
ful in prayer. This seemed to be the secret of her 
strength. She gave it as her deliberate judgment that 
backsliding was sure to follow a neglect of secret prayer. 
If professors do not "pray to the Father in secret," he 
will not "reward them openly," and they will back- 
slide. The first time I ever heard her preach, I feared 
a failure till I heard her opening prayer. Such an over- 
whelming influence from heaven attended that prayer, 
and came on the congregation, as I hardly ever wit- 
nessed before. Others said the same ; and the sermon 
was kindred to the prayer, all full of heavenly unction. 
All acquainted with Mrs. Beeves will long remember 
the simple earnestness of her pleading with God in 
prayer. 

In conclusion : — The following were the leading ele- 
ments in her character. 1. Strong common sense ; 2. 
A wonderful power of quick perception ; 3. Good sound 
judgment; 4. Great resolution; 5. An iron will; 6. 
Calm self-possession in an eminent degree ; 7. An in- 
trepid fearlessness in danger ; 8. Deep piety of heart ; 
9. Great patience in suffering; 10. An unyielding con- 
fidence in God; 11. Good social qualities in society; 
12. Hospitality at home. 

She doubtless had her faults — (who has them not) — 
but, like the spots on the sun, they were all of them lost 
in the overwhelming goodness of her Christian, minis- 
terial, and private character. This pious lady lived 
long, preached much, and did a great deal of good in 
her day. God gave her many seals to her ministry. 
She never sought ordination, or any official position, in 
either an Annual or Quarterly Conference, for she had 



MRS. HANNAH BEEVES. 



329 



no higher ambition than to have liberty from the 
Church to preach the gospel of Christ to perishing 
sinners. 

It will now be proper to introduce a few extracts from 
letters of condolence, and testimonials of Mrs. Beeves' 
character, life, and labors. 

Eev. TV. H. Marshall, of the Muskingum Annual 
Conference, who has been an itinerant minister for 
about forty years, and who was present at the marriage 
of Mr. and Mrs. Beeves, writes thus : 

"One reason why I have not written was, that I had 
not charged my memory with the items of her success 
in the ministry, though I knew that, from her first 
entrance among us, she was cherished as a lady, loved 
as a Christian, and greatly admired as a laborer in the 
Church of Christ. 

"In 1830 and 1831, Brother A. H and yourself 

were traveling on the Muskingum Circuit. I was 
stationed in Zanesville, and being contiguous to you, 
I had frequent opportunities of your company and that 
of Brother Bassett. I was present when you and Sister 
Hannah were united in marriage, and participated in 
that ordinance, by prayer, at its conclusion. After this, 
I had frequent opportunities of sitting at her feet, while 
her modest, fervent, spiritual, and intellectual minis- 
trations warned the wicked of his ways, pointed the 
mourner to the reeking cross, and led the children of 
God into greater depths of Divine things. Her dis- 
courses were listened to by crowds, and the deep atten- 
tion and the tearful cheeks, told of the profit received." 

Eev. E. A. Brindley, of the Pittsburg Conference, 
says: "And have not I, dear brother, a peculiar right 
to offer my poor consolations to one who was so long a 
father in Israel to me? — one who took me into the visi- 
ble Church, and whose beloved companion was, indeed, 
a mother to^ me in the days of my youth? Gone, but 
28* 



330 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



not lost ! a little while before! The Master had need of 
her, to assist in swelling the glad throng who shall 
accompany the Redeemer when he shall come the second 
time to reign on the earth. A beautiful golden link, 
my brother, binds her to the bright world of glorified 
spirits. The mother and her babes are at last united, 
after so long a separation, and now all are looking for 
the husband and father to rejoin them. Sister Hannah 
has now beheld the face ot Him whose name was so 
often on her lips. The warfare is ended, the crown is 
placed upon the brow, the harp, and the scepter, and the 
gladness of victory presented. The Master has said, 
'Well done;' the angel choir has joined in the halle- 
lujah chorus, for another jewel sparkles in the Saviour's 
crown*" 

A precious epistle from Dr. John Scott, Editor of the 
Methodist Becorder, I would like to give entire, but the 
greater part of it respects rather the husband than the 
wife ; so a short extract only will be given. "But her 
warfare is accomplished, the trial has been endured, 

and the victory has been won. Brother H informs 

me that c she died in great peace. ' This is only what 
might have been expected. She lived the life of the 
righteous, and I was not surprised to hear that she died 
as she lived — that her life of devotion was crowned with 
a peaceful and triumphant end. May our last end be 
like hers ! Your beloved companion has crossed over 
the Jordan before you. Her spirit is with Brothers 
Stockton, and Lucas, and Shinn, and Sands, and many, 
many more. O, what a company are waiting for you, 
and I trust for me, on the other shore ! God bless you, 
my dear brother !" 

The next letter is my own, and I must give it among 
the rest, as Dr. Reeves expects its publication. In the 
papers confided to me, he introduced it thus : "Exceed- 
ingly precious are the following words of deep condo- 



THE LADY PREACHER 



331 



lence, from Kev. George Brown, D. D." Then the 
letter : 

" My Dear, Afflicted Brother — A letter this morning 
from Brother A. Clark informs me that the beloved of 
your soul is gone from you, that G-od hath taken her — 
taken her to himself in heaven, where the weary rest, 
and the wicked trouble no more. You did well to love 
her much, for she was a very superior woman, an ad- 
mirable disciple of Christ, for many years a first-rate 
help to you in your home and in the work of the Lord. 
You loved her much, but God loved her more, and can 
do better for her, where she now is, than you could 
* where she once was, under your roof and by your side. 
It will require all the energies of your soul and all the 
grace you can obtain to say, 4 Amen, the will of the 
Lord be done. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good 
in thy sight to leave me lonely a little while longer in 
the world. ' A little while longer — O I it will not be 
long until the shadow of time will give place to the 
light of eternity. Then you will see Hannah again, in 
all the blush and bloom of immortal youth, in the city 
of the living God. 

" When I parted with Hannah the night before I left 
Conference, I thought I saw in God's hand a cup for 
you to drink which would not pass away — a cup of 
sorrow. Your heart bleeds, yet I trust that in faith, 
hope, patience, and prayer, you cast all your care on 
the Lord, knowing that he careth for you. 

"Now the peace that Jesus gives, and the love of 
God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with 
you for ever, Amen. With all the sympathy of my 
heart, I am your brother in the Lord." 

The following is an extract from my second letter, 
found among the papers for publication. 

"Your very welcome, yet mournful letter of the 27th 



832 THE LADY PREACHER: 

ult., came to hand yesterday. That letter reveals a 
stricken heart, lonely, and in deep mourning, still 
trusting in God, and submissive to his will. In read- 
ing it, all the tender feelings of my soul were moved 
within me, and I shed many tears of sympathy with a 
brother in distress. I pray God to grant you support- 
ing grace in this, your time of need. You have lost a 
most invaluable wife. With her, now, all is well. It 
remains, now, that you make the best of this afflictive 
dispensation of Divine Providence that you can, and 
follow Hannah with all your might to heaven. There 
you will see her again in paradisaical beauty and love- 
liness. Yes, and see Jesus, and reign with him above, 
and drink the flowing fountain of everlasting love. 
There friends shall meet again — husbands and wives, 
parents and children, meet again, to part no more." 

The following is from the pen of the Eev. John 
Langdon, with whom Hannah traveled many years ago 
in England. He is now a superannuated preacher in 
the Canada Conference. He says : 

"So many years have passed into eternity since your 
wife and I traveled together as preachers of the gospel, 
that a great many things transpired then that would 
illustrate her character which have been forgotten. The 
first of my acquaintance with your wife was in 1825, in 
the Monmouth Mission, now Chipstow ; it was a place 
of hard labor, as it included the forest of Dean. She 
also labored hard ; we had much preaching, and long 
journeys. She was well received as a preacher and a 
Christian, and manifested much zeal and diligence in 
the work. Her piety was deep and genuine. I believe 
that was what made her useful there ; of that there is 
no doubt. At the Conference of 1826, she was appointed 
to the Chagford Circuit. During that year I received a 
few lines from her at different times ; she expressed her 
delight in the work, and in the Lord's presence with her. 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. 



333 



"At the Conference of 1828, we were appointed 
together on the Hastings mission, including Tenter- 
den, also a very extensive and laborious field. That 
year the Lord blessed the labors of his servants, and 
many sinners were brought to God, in which your wife 
had her share. She was diligent and earnest in preach- 
ing and visiting, and was well received, and .her char- 
acter was respectable." 

Her husband wrote to the headquarters of the de- 
nomination in England to which Mrs. Reeves belonged, 
and among whom she had labored, seeking information 
concerning her life and labors there. He received a 
reply from Mrs. Mary Thorne, wife of the Rev. Samuel 
Thorne, printer to the connection, and who has long 
been, herself, an able and efficient preacher of the 
gospel. But it appears there are but few survivors who 
knew her, and with whom she traveled. Eev. Eichard 
Tabb, with whom she traveled two years, and who is a 
gentleman of high and holy standing in the connection, 
has furnished two letters, through Mrs. Thorne. Out 
of the first letter, only one brief extract is made. It 
relates to her general character. He says: "Miss 
Pearce, from July, 1826, to July, 1828, while I was with 
her, was a Christian woman of a noble spirit, and great 
usefulness." The second letter is more full, and is very 
good, so that the whole of it is given : 

Bey. William Eeeyes. 

"My Dear Brother — Your dear departed wife was my 
first companion in the work of the itinerant ministry, 
being appointed together at Chagford, by the Confer- 
ence of 1826. Much of our labors were on the Dart- 
moor, the roughest of Devon. It was our custom, in 
those days, to preach three times on the Sabbath, and 
every evening in the week excepting Saturday. In this 
work Miss Pearce took her equal part. From the re- 



334 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



moteness of the villages and towns, our journeys were 
often long — fifteen, eighteen, and twenty miles a day, 
and to preach was a frequent occurrence. Added to 
this, the remuneration was small, fare scanty, and the 
lodging of the poorest kind. But our dear Sister met 
all things with the noble and brave spirit of a Christian 
who had learned to endure and labor for the sake of 
Him who hath bought us with his blood, and who 
justly demands our devoted lives. On the station she 
was very acceptable and useful. She won many souls, 
who will be the crown of her rejoicing in the day of the 
Lord. I was young in years and new in the work ; and, 
therefore, I was glad of one who had had more experi- 
ence, with whom to advise. And I found in Miss Pearce 
an intelligent, sympathizing sister in the Lord. A few 
years ago, when writing on past events, I penned the 
following, with reference to our first year's acquaintance. 

"'Miss Pearce was a young woman of deep piety 
and intelligence, acceptable and useful as a preacher 
and a most agreeable and. valuable fellow laborer, who 
gave me much good counsel, for which I shall always 
feel grateful. On leaving this station, after the Con- 
ference of 1827, Miss Pearce kindly took me to the home 
of her parents, who, like their daughter, greatly loved 
the Lord's servants and the Lord's cause. After a few 
days' rest, we found our way to the Kilkhampton Cir- 
cuit, on the north of Cornwall. Here Miss Pearce was 
most heartily received by hundreds of pious friends, the 
earliest friends of our denomination. Here, for twelve 
months, she labored ; preaching seven and eight times 
a week, walking many miles. In all places she took 
with her, as before, a loving heart and fervent zeal for 
God. Always cheerful and full of hope, she shed a 
sunshine around her, which made her every where a 
webome visitor. She could not but know that she was 
esteemed highly in love for her works' sake. Yet she 



M BS. HAXNAH REEVES. 



335 



retained her humility and Christian simplicity, and for 
the. good that was done by her, she gave God all the 
glory.' 

u On both stations we labored in the greatest har- 
mony, and our Sister conducted herself among the 
people with the greatest propriety — blameless and 
harmless, a child of God without rebuke, shining as 
a light in the world. When we parted company in 
1828, I felt that I had parted with a valued and valua- 
ble friend. And I have ever retained for Miss Pearce 
the greatest possible respect, and was greatly delighted 
to find, on her visiting us from America, as Mrs. 
Reeves, your beloved wife, that she possessed the same 
Christian spirit and Christian character as when I had 
known her when younger. I write these lines in all 
truthfulness. I suppose our friend had human failings ; 
but I really could not point them out, not knowing 
them. I trust her life, when published, will do good. 
I should like to see it. Best of all, I hope to see her in 
our better home. There, dear brother, may we meet. 
I am yours affectionately, R. Tabb." 

Mrs. Thorne proceeds : "And really, till I took the 
matter into consideration, I was hardly aware how far 
we passed the by-gone age. I can scarcely find any 
person who remembers Sister Reeves in her youthful 
days. I have written to Brother T. Wooldridge, a 
preacher who, I have heard, was blessed under her 
ministry. I will copy his repty. So many of her early 
contemporaries are gone beyond the flood, that I expect 
she has a large circle of acquaintances there. I calcu- 
late on joining them soon. My remembrance of Sister 
Reeves is chiefly of a visit to our house, when my dear 
father lived at Baddash, near Launceston. Her health 
was considerably impaired by her zealous labors, and 
she came for a little rest. Quite a young girl as I was, 



336 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



I remember being impressed with her earnest, energetic 
preaching and fervent prayers. These were, however, 
then, the usual characteristics of the laborers whom 
God so suddenly and unexpectedly thrust out among 
us. I remember one act of hers, that left upon my 
mind an indelible impression of her courage and pluck. 
We had a fine cow that was rather unmanageable. All 
seemed to be afraid of her. Dear Hannah asked to 
have her tied in the house, and then took the bucket, 
fixed her head against the cow's side, and milked her 
without any difficulty. If my dear father (Mr. W- 
O'BryaA, father of the denomination.) were alive, I 
think he could give you a little help, from letters or 
other documents. But he went to his rest last year, 
at the age of ninety." 

Mrs. Thorne had promised a copy of Brother Wool- 
dridge's letter, and here it is : 

"Sister Hannah Pearce was the third or fourth 
preacher I heard when I began to attend a living, saving 
ministry ; and well do I remember the sweet, yet strong- 
flowing influence which, like a river, accompanied the 
pitying, sympathizing, tender way in which she addressed 
the many who crowded around her to hear words where- 
by many were saved. Like a second Lydia, a golden, 
well-oiled key had opened the true womanly heart, pro- 
ducing a living influence ; and with the constant use of 
that key, she prayed into the throne and heart of God, 
and then came back, and preached right into the hearts 
of sinners. Having a soul bathed in an atmosphere of 
love, it spread a holy unction, which came right from 
above into sympathizing, receptive souls. There was 
a something that could not be understood, only as con- 
nected with God. She walked with God in a path that 
the natural man does not descry, saying, as her alluring 
eyes seemed to look through us, I shall be glad of your 
company, if you feel inclined to turn your face, feet, 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



337 



and heart, in the right direction, the only way to hap- 
piness and God. If not, I must go by myself, for God's 
smile has captivated -and won my heart, and still allures 
me with sweet constraint. Her addresses, at times, 
were almost overwhelming — setting all around in a 
move ; herself a living example of uniformity of char- 
acter, which drew the attention of heaven, earth, and 
hell, which, doubtless, were found eyeing her steps. 

Ornamented chapels and embroidered damask cush- 
ions were not needed to attract attention then. There 
was a something to rend, or melt, or stick : aye, to stick 
like diachylon, leading all to think, and think again, 
when left to reflection. Some of her addresses were like 
a snowy day, when the good and perfect gift fell not 
only softly, but searched and found its way into every 
crevice, as it fell on all, and passed by none. May the 
Lord hasten such days again ! is the prayer of one who 
would be glad to see a hundred such woman enter the 
enlarged vineyard to-morrow, and with similar success." 

The balance of Mrs. Thome's letter is not testimony 
relating to Mrs. Reeves, yet it is too interesting t© be 
omitted: "Many changes have passed over us since 
your dear Hannah, and your little son Asa, left our 
shores." She then mentions the death of three of her 
children, who departed in peace, and adds : " "We have 
ten still sojourning among men, but scattered far and 
wide, so that the sun never sets on all our family. 
James is in British Columbia, farming on the banks of 
the Frazer. Three are in Queensland, Australia, and 
one, the little one you baptized, Serena, is in Victoria, 
Australia, emulating the example of your dear Hannah 
— blowing the gospel trumpet, with considerable suc- 
cess." 

The following is an extract from a letter written im- 
promptu, by Brother William H. Fitch, of Youngstown, 
Ohio, an old religious friend. It contains valuable 
29 



338 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



testimony to the truth, and tends to illustrate her cha- 
racter and influence. 

"I most truly sympathize with you in your great 
bereavement. But I hope, and trust, and believe, you 
will be sustained by that kind and benevolent Being 
who 'tempers the wind to the shorn lamb.' Yery 
many reminiscences of the departed wife of your youth 
were brought vividly before me ; and I could but re- 
member with gratitude her earnest solicitude for my 
welfare, and her earnest pleading in my behalf, at the 
throne of grace, at a time in my past history when I 
was in great mental anguish, seeking for full and com- 
plete deliverance from all impurity and vile affections. 
I shall never forget her ardent importunity in my 
behalf. I confess that I am at present stimulated by 
the example of her whose loss on earth we mourn, to 
try in some measure to regain my long neglected Eden. 
Pray ye for me, my dear friend, that I may not make 
shipwreck of the faith once delivered to the saints. 
Very truly and faithfully, as ever, your friend and 
brother in the Lord." 

It will be proper, now, to introduce a few lines of 
sympathy from the Eev. A. H. Bassett, book agent, 
who traveled part of his first year in the itinerancy 
with Mr. Reeves. He says : 

" I trust it will not be too late for me to express to 
you my sincere sympathy in the great trial and bereave- 
ment you have experienced in the death of your dear 
companion. She has but gone before. You are hardly 
separated, for I can readily fancy that your spirits com- 
mune. To use the beautiful expression of a late poet, 
which I wish I could quote correctly, in entering into 
the blest estate, u She leaves the heavenly gate ajar." 
In due time, may you also receive entrance abundantly 
into the everlasting kingdom. Amen." 

The following eloquent letter of sympathy is from a 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



339 



highly esteemed member of the Pittsburg Conference, 
the Rev. Gr. B. McElroy, A. M., Professor in Adrian 
College. He says : 

" I can not, in language, tell you the sensations that 
thrilled through me, when I saw the notice of your 
wife's departure. I do n't like to call it death, for it 
was only a change of residence, a going to a newer and 
brighter, a sunnier and a happier home. She is only 
across the river, on the other bank. I can well imagine 
your loneliness, and the keen agony arising from the 
rupture of life-long associations. The knots that bound 
your hearts and human, or world-lives, together, were 
not gently untied, but rudely, by a cold and relentless 
hand, torn asunder. It is, my dear brother, in such 
hours as you now have, and under such clouds as now 
fling their chilling shade athwart your path, that the 
value of our holy religion is most fully realized. I 
wish, O how earnestly ! that I could drop from my pen 
a few words that might be as drops of honey in your 
cup of bitterness. You have my warmest and truest 
sympathy. And may the Hand that is now weaving 
into your life-web these dark threads of sorrow, sustain 
and comfort you. These threads will only make the 
web stronger and finer. But I will quit writing. I 
can not express what I feel. Yonder we shall have a 
freer speech and a better expression. May we meet 
there." 

The following touching utterences which are now 
annexed, came from an equally sympathetic spirit, the 
Bev. Alexander Clark, A.M., of the same Conference, 
and were penned when he was in great pain. He 
says : 

"I have expected the news, but O, how sad the 
words! Well, the Lord is with you, I know, and 
Heaven's gates are swinging open for us one by one, 
and we '11 all soon be home ! How happy she must be 



340 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



in the immediate presence of the Lord ! The longed 
for rest is found at last. God bless you in your sore 
trial. Amen." 

In the midst of pain of head and sorrow of heart, 
that beloved brother wrote the following brief and beau- 
tiful obituary for publication in the Pittsburg Commercial: 

"The wife of the Bev. William Beeves, D.D., of 
New Brighton, who died on Friday morning, Novem- 
ber 13th, 1868, was a lady of remarkable talents, piety, 
and devotion. Her life has been one of singular inci- 
dent and unusual Christian influence. She was one of 
the few females who preached Christ both in the pulpit 
and in private. Some years ago, in the time of her 
health and strength, she drew immense congregations 
in various parts of the country, and entertained and 
edified them, in such strains of persuasive eloquence as 
but few in the regular ministry could do. Her manner 
of speech was so modest, earnest, and fascinating as to 
be above criticism. She has been an honored, conse- 
crated, and consistent servant of the Church, and leaves 
a large circle of fond acquaintances, who miss her 
counsels and mourn her loss. The Methodist Church, 
of which she and her husband have been leading mem- 
bers for many years, will every where grieve that so 
faithful an exponent of Christian faith and practice has 
been called out of the world, where such sinning ex- 
amples are few." 

The following is taken from a biographical notice of 
Mrs. Beeves by the Be v. C. Springer, and appears to 
have been written by Dr. Beeves. 

"We had three children, but all died in childhood. 
The first, a daughter, born in Wellsville, Ohio, died in 
infancy. The second, a son, born in Auburn, Cuya- 
hoga county, Ohio, Samuel William, deceased at the 
* age of four years and three months. The third, the 
son of our advanced age, was born in England during 



MBS. HANNAH REEVES. 



341 



our visit there, called Asa Cornelius Springer, and de- 
parted this life in the city of Pittsburg, aged five years 
and about four months. Both boys manifested remark- 
able mental precocity. So we lost an only child three 
times. Kow all are gone — wife and children." 

The Preachers' Meeting in Pittsburg passed the fol- 
lowing resolutions of condolence. 

Whereas, In the providence of God our dearly be- 
loved brother and fellow laborer, the Kev. William 
Reeves, D.D., has been called upon to endure a deep 
and sore bereavement in the death of his wife, Sister 
Hannah Beeves; therefore, 

Resolved, 1. That, by this afflictive event, a husband 
has lost a faithful, a tender, and an affectionate com- 
panion, the Church an eminently pious, devoted, and 
influential member, and the community where she 
dwelt a kind, attentive, and truly benevolent neighbor. 

2. That we, as preachers, will evermore bear in me- 
mory, as a worthy example of meekness, patience, and 
consecration to the work of soul-winning to Christ, the 
life of our departed sister, who has gone from trial to 
triumph, from the troubles of time to the rewards of 
eternity, and from pilgrimage with the weary to the 
companionship of the saints in light, at God's right hand. 

3. That, as a Preachers' Meeting, we tender to our 
Brother Reeves our sincere and unceasing sympathy in 
these, his days of sorrow and mourning, praying that 
benedictions from Heaven, as starlight through the 
darkness, may illuminate and comfort his troubled 
spirit, lonely and lingering here, until the breaking of 
eternal day. 

4. That a copy of these resolutions be furnished to 
the relatives of the deceased, and also to the Methodist 
Recorder. Alexander Clark, 

D. I. K. Rine, 
James Robison, 
29* Committee. 



342 



THE LADY PREACHER: 



ANOTHER VICTORY. 

Messrs. Editors. — Another veteran of the cross of 
Christ has fought her last battle, conquered the last 
enemy, death, and passed safely and happily over the 
river into the paradise of Grod. We refer to Sister 
Hannah Reeves, consort of Rev. William Reeves, D.D., 
of New Brighton, Pennsylvania, pastor of the Metho- 
dist church at Bellevue. 

This worthy woman began her career in England, in 
January, 1800, and closed it at the residence of her hus- 
band in New Brighton, on the 13th of November, 1868. 
She was one of the few of her sex who feel themselves 
called of God to preach the gospel. This conviction 
came with her conversion. She entered at once upon 
the work. She preached acceptably and successfully in 
England for nine or ten years, as a regular itinerant. 
In 1831, she came to America, became the wife and 
traveling companion of our dear Brother Reeves, assist- 
ing him in ministerial labors, drawing large cons-reoa- 
tions, to whom she preached not only to their gratifica- 
tion, but also to their edification. Hers was a life of 
labor and of usefulness in the Master's cause. During 
the last four or five years she has had delicate health, 
and consequently remained at home in New Brighton 
most of the time, and preached but seldom, not having 
physical ability to justify it. Sister Reeves was a large 
woman physically, intellectually, and morally, and 
noted for her individuality and determination. 

Her last sickness was such that, during the last 
few weeks, she suffered much for want of rest, caused 
by nervousness and a sense of suffocation ; but she bore 
it all patiently. The night before her departure, she 
became very happy, and praised the Lord, as she often 
had done. Seeing the end was near, she told her 



MRS. HANNAH REEVES. 



343 



afflicted husband "All is well," bade him farewell, and 
quietly passed away like going to sleep. 

Our dear brother is left very lonely, not having a 
blood relative on the continent. But he will soon 
overtake his wife and children in glory. He has the 
sympathies of all who knew him, and an ever present 
Saviour will guide him safely home. 

S. F. Crotjther. 

I can not bring my labors to a conclusion without 
expressing a hope that good will be the result of my 
toils in preparing for the press an account of the life 
and labors of Mrs. Hannah Eeeves, a lady who came 
up from humble life, and without the aid of a polished 
education attained, by the help of God, to distinguished 
eminence and usefulness in the Church of God. It has 
not been my object to induce the ladies of our Church 
to enter into the ministry, and meet all its hardships, 
privations, and toils, as did the lady whose narrative 
is here given. But it has been my object to show to 
all, both male and female, what a talented, humble, 
persevering Christian female, who feels herself called 
of G-od to the work, can do in the vineyard of the Lord. 
There is a work in the Church for the women as well 
as the men to do, and they must work for Christ or 
backslide. " Woe unto them that are at ease in Zion." 
To be idle and innocent at the same time, is impossible. 
In the family, in the Sunday-school, among the sick 
and the poor, work may be found for the sisters. And 
if any have the physical, mental, moral, and spiritual 
qualifications for preaching the gospel, and, like Han- 
nah Reeves, feel called of God to that work, let them 
do it in the name of the Lord. 



21787 





4^ <^ 

\<? X<? 




* o " 0, ^° ^ ' \^ , Deacidified using the Bookkeeper proces 

<9 . V , * Nciitrflli7ina aaent: Magnesium Oxide 





r. O " • » <*>. 




^ A^ 



Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: May 2006 

PreservationTechnologie: 



V °. £ A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATIC 

\+j ' Q 11 1 Thomson Park Drive 

Cranberry Township. PA 16066 
0^ O (724)779-2111 



